Women report feeling rushed, dismissed, and “just another number” — we know why and we know how to prevent it – it is time for urgent systemic reform Birth trauma has long-term impacts on mental health, family wellbeing, and future engagement with maternity services. Some women avoid or terminate future pregnancies or disengage from the system entirely due to disrespectful care. In addition to universal access to continuity of midwifery carer, The Birth Map is a woman-led, s

24 March 2026 National maternity advocacy organisation, Maternity Choices Australia (MCA), welcomes the appointment of Donna Garland as the first Chief Midwife of New South Wales (NSW). MCA’s Managing Director, Dr Catherine Bell, said this role is a vital step as we move forward from the Birth Trauma Inquiry into a maternity system that actively addresses the identified issues and implements recommendations. ‘We look forward to working with Ms Garland to prevent antenatal