Today, Tuesday 7 April, marks the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Health Day. As the world observes this significant day under the 2025 theme of Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, Australia confronts a growing maternal health crisis.
Globally, nearly 300,000 women die each year from pregnancy or childbirth complications, and more than 2 million newborns do not survive their first month of life.
In Australia, while the healthcare system is regarded as one of the best in the world, the stark reality for women outside our major cities tells a different story as rural, remote, and First Nations women are face risks to their health, and that of their babies due to declining access to maternity care.
In media releases in response to the World Health Day, The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) are jointly calling for urgent action this election season to address the widening health gap experienced by rural, remote and First Nations women.
Their message is clear: no mother or baby should face greater health risks because of where they live.
“Since the 1990s, there has been about 50 per cent reduction in service delivery for maternity services in rural Australia. This results from rising private health and clinical insurance, lack of investment in infrastructure and support and the workforce being overworked and under-supported,” said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
“Women in rural areas lack birthing services, as well as antenatal and postnatal care close to home. They also find difficulties when their local rural hospital does not offer a maternity service and they have to travel great distances away from work, community and family. This reduction of services often leads to reduced services in other parts of the hospital too, making it less attractive for clinicians to work there – exacerbating a cycle of workforce shortages and limitations on health care in the area.”
Ms Tegan emphasised the need for rural health services, particularly for women, to be a key political focus area in the upcoming election.
“During this election period, we call on all parties and candidates to make the health of rural women a priority. We can no longer stand on the sidelines and take a ‘wait and see’ approach when rural women die up to 12.7 years earlier than their city counterparts.”
“We call for equitable and separate funding under a National Rural Health Strategy which demonstrates Federal and State /Territory healthcare collaboration and delivery, access to equitable funding and a commitment to separating rural health funding out of urban health funding. A rural health fund allows for transparency, equity and parity and cannot be reabsorbed into urban expenditure.”
ACRRM President, and local Armidale Rural Generalist GP, Dr Rod Martin echoed these concerns, pointing to recent closures and downgrades of maternity units in Tasmania, Far North Queensland, and New South Wales.
“Each closure makes it harder for women to access safe, affordable care. We cannot afford to wait for a tragedy to spur action,” Dr Martin said.
“This election is a critical moment. We need all parties to commit to sustainable, high-quality maternity care for rural, and First Nations communities—because no mother or baby should face greater risks simply because of where they live.”
To address the crisis, both NRHA and ACRRM are urging all political parties and Federal Election candidates to commit to measures such as:
- Halting the closure of rural maternity services
- Establishing a National Rural Health Strategy with separate and equitable funding for rural health—distinct from urban allocations
- Targeted funding to recruit and retain Rural Generalists (RGs) with obstetrics and anaesthetics training
- An intergovernmental taskforce to ensure long-term, sustainable funding and continuity of care
- Infrastructure investment to support clinician accommodation, student placements, childcare, and outreach clinics
Dr Martin also emphasised the value of integrated, evidence-based models of care that bring together RGs, midwives, and other professionals to deliver high-quality services in rural settings.
“RGs play a crucial role in antenatal and postnatal care, planned deliveries, and emergency obstetrics, but they need long-term investment to continue providing these services,” Dr Martin said.
On a state level, the drive continues to gain momentum for the Bush Babies Campaign, with a current petition available to be signed before being put towards the Legislative Assembly. Spearheaded by Armidale-based perinatal and early infancy mental health professional, Jen Laurie of Her Herd, the petition aims to have the NSW Government take steps in the next Budget to address deficits in rural and remote maternity services.
This story is a paid advertorial. Find out how advertising with New England Times is a cost effective and reliable way to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.