Still Aware plays a crucial role in raising awareness and providing education about stillbirth prevention, a vital yet often overlooked issue in public health. Through its dedicated efforts, the organisation empowers expectant parents with life-saving information about safe pregnancy practices, while also advocating for improved healthcare policies and services. By focusing on both prevention and support, Still Aware not only helps to reduce the incidence of stillbirth but also provides critical emotional and practical support for families.
The organisation's work has contributed significantly to increasing awareness, improving clinical practices and creating a more informed, compassionate response to stillbirth, ultimately saving lives and fostering a supportive community for families during an incredibly difficult time.
Member for Newland Olivia Savvas has successfully moved a motion to establish a parliamentary inquiry to examine the prevalence, causes and effects of stillbirth and how to enhance supports.
Ms Savvas has already met with medical experts in this field from the Women's and Children's Hospital, as well as community support groups, to hear about the work that is already underway in this space, and how a parliamentary inquiry could assist further.
The committee will investigate and report on stillbirth in South Australia, including:
Best practice stillbirth prevention education and awareness programs for expectant parents
Public education programs to increase community awareness of stillbirth and where people can access support
Models of care in pregnancy to help reduce stillbirth, including for priority populations
Follow-up care including mental health support or care in subsequent pregnancies for parents after stillbirth
Support and training for healthcare professionals
Data collection, reporting and monitoring
Allocation of research efforts
Still Aware's HANSARD from our appearance can be viewed here.