A comprehensive report released on Thursday by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has highlighted persistent disparities in maternity and neonatal care for women from minority groups, including Indigenous, migrant, and refugee communities. The report, titled "Maternity Care in Australia 2026," found that these women experience higher rates of pregnancy complications, preterm births, and lower birth weight babies compared to the general population.
Key Findings on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
The AIHW report analyzed data from over 300,000 births across Australia in 2025. It revealed that Indigenous women are 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than non-Indigenous women. Additionally, babies born to Indigenous mothers are 1.8 times more likely to be preterm or have low birth weight. Migrant and refugee women also face elevated risks, with a 30% higher incidence of gestational diabetes and a 20% higher rate of caesarean sections.
Barriers to Quality Care
According to the report, key barriers include language difficulties, lack of culturally appropriate care, and limited access to continuity of midwifery care. Dr. Sarah Jones, lead author of the report, stated: "These disparities are not due to biological differences but are largely driven by social determinants of health and systemic barriers within the healthcare system. We need targeted interventions to address these inequities."
Impact on Women and Families
The report also highlights lower satisfaction rates among minority women, with only 60% reporting positive experiences compared to 80% of non-minority women. Many cited feeling rushed, dismissed, or not understood by healthcare providers. This can lead to delayed care and poorer health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Recommendations for Improvement
The AIHW recommends increasing funding for culturally safe maternity services, expanding interpreter services, and training more healthcare providers in cultural competency. The report also calls for better data collection on ethnicity and migration status to monitor progress. Minister for Health, Mark Butler, acknowledged the findings: "This report is a stark reminder that we must do more to ensure every woman in Australia receives the care she deserves, regardless of her background."
Community Responses and Next Steps
Community organizations have welcomed the report but stress the need for urgent action. The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) emphasized the importance of Indigenous-led maternity services. The report will inform the development of a new National Maternity Strategy, expected to be released later this year.
