Bendigo families affected by stillbirth have been asked to make a submission to the Senate’s Select Committee Inquiry into stillbirth.
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Nineteen children were stillborn in Bendigo in 2016, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, with too many families suffering their loss in silence.
The committee, which will inquire and report on the future of stillbirth research and education in Australia, is calling for submissions from individuals and organisations.
Stillbirth Foundation Australia CEO, Victoria Bowring said it was vitally important that those who feel comfortable discussing their experience, make a submission to the inquiry.
“For too long, families have suffered stillbirth in silence, and this inquiry presents the first real opportunity for those families to have their voices heard,” Ms Bowring said.
“With six babies stillborn in Australia each day, it is long overdue for our political leaders to hear the impact it has on families.
“According to the ABS, 19 children were stillborn in Bendigo in 2016, and I encourage all locals touched by stillbirth to share their story, if they feel comfortable doing so.
“This, right now, is our best chance to see the Federal Government take action to properly fund research and education campaigns.
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“There is nothing more powerful than simply telling your story and communicating the pain that is caused through stillbirth.
“We can only hope that at the end of this process, real funding will be available for research that can save more babies, and campaigns that will let parents know what they can do to reduce the chance of stillbirth affecting their child and their families.”
The closing date for submissions is June 29 2018 with the committee to report on or before the second Senate sitting Thursday of 2019.
To find out more about the inquiry and how to make a submission visit: aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Stillbirth_Research_and_Education/Stillbirth