Nicola Fisher, a pioneering midwife who transformed maternity care and championed women's health, has died aged 68 after a long illness. She passed away peacefully at her home in Sydney on 5 July 2026, surrounded by her family.
A life dedicated to midwifery
Fisher began her nursing career at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney in 1976. She quickly developed a passion for midwifery, completing her training at the same hospital in 1979. Over the next four decades, she became a leading figure in the profession, advocating for natural birth and women's choice in childbirth.
In 1994, Fisher founded the Australian College of Midwives' New South Wales branch, serving as its president for six years. She also played a key role in developing national standards for midwifery education and practice.
Pioneering home birth and continuity of care
Fisher was a strong proponent of home birth and continuity of care models. In 2001, she established one of Australia's first publicly funded home birth programs at St George Hospital in Sydney. The program allowed low-risk women to give birth at home with a known midwife, significantly reducing intervention rates.
According to a 2010 study led by Fisher, women in the home birth program had a 30% lower rate of caesarean section compared to those in standard hospital care. She often said, 'Women know their bodies best. Our job is to support them, not to take over.'
Advocacy and legacy
Beyond clinical practice, Fisher was a tireless advocate for women's health rights. She served on numerous government committees, including the New South Wales Ministerial Advisory Committee on Maternity Services. In 2015, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to midwifery.
Professor Hannah Dahlen, a colleague and friend, said: 'Nicola was a force of nature. She changed the way we think about birth and put women at the centre of care. Her legacy will live on in the thousands of midwives she trained and the families she helped.'
Personal life
Fisher is survived by her husband, David, and their two children, Emily and James. Her family described her as a devoted mother and grandmother who brought the same warmth and determination to her personal life as she did to her work.
A memorial service will be held at the University of Sydney's Great Hall on 15 July 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Australian College of Midwives' Nicola Fisher Scholarship Fund, which supports midwifery students from rural and remote areas.
