NSW Health Minister Apologizes to Women, Promises Reform in Maternity Care Failures

In a heartfelt address, New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park has publicly apologized to women who have faced failures in maternity care, following the findings of a state inquiry into birth trauma. This inquiry, which began in 2023, was initiated to shed light on the traumatic experiences many women endure during childbirth that lead to both physical and psychological harm. The report, released in May, highlighted the urgent need for reforms in several critical areas of maternity care. It underscored the significant issues of fragmented care, a lack of trauma-informed practices, insufficient antenatal education, inadequate informed consent processes, and a disregard for women’s choices and experiences during the birthing process. The inquiry also emphasized the necessity for more inclusive and culturally responsive services for all women. Minister Park expressed deep appreciation for the bravery shown by thousands of women who shared their challenging experiences. “We apologise to women who have not received the high standard of maternity care they should have,” he stated, acknowledging the painful stories that were brought to light during the inquiry. The government has pledged to fully support 42 out of the 43 recommendations made in the report, a move seen as a significant step toward rectifying the shortcomings in the current system. One of the key recommendations involves the inquiry chair, Emma Hurst, reaching out to the Health Care Complaints Commission to consider publicly reporting complaints related to maternity care. This transparency aims to hold healthcare providers accountable and ensure that the voices of women are heard. Over the next year, the government plans to expedite initiatives that improve women's access to continuity of care and ensure that informed consent is genuinely obtained and respected. However, Hurst cautioned that the true measure of success will depend on the tangible changes implemented by NSW Health and hospitals in the coming months. “Thousands of women vulnerably shared their stories to this inquiry in hope of achieving systemic change,” she remarked. “They need to be assured that major reform and appropriate funding will be dedicated to this space, not just tinkering around the edges.” The inquiry also drew attention to alarming cases, such as those highlighted by Human Rights in Childbirth, which illustrated the lengths some facilities have gone to protect obstetricians involved in serious malpractice. Professor Hannah Dahlen from Western Sydney University's School of Nursing and Midwifery emphasized the need for healthcare providers to recognize their role in preventing birth trauma. “It is time we admitted that, said 'sorry' and learned from women how to be better,” she stated, advocating for a collaborative approach among women, clinicians, and the government. Sharon Settecasse from Better Births Illawarra echoed these calls for immediate action, noting that one in three women experience distressing birth experiences every day. “These mothers and their babies deserve immediate action,” she insisted, reinforcing the urgency of the matter. As the NSW government moves forward with implementing the inquiry’s recommendations, many will be watching closely to see if these pledges translate into meaningful reforms that improve the maternity care landscape for all women across the state. The commitment to change is clear, but the challenge lies ahead in ensuring that these changes are not just promises, but realities that enhance the dignity, safety, and respect women deserve during one of life’s most pivotal moments.