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Research Article| Volume 33, ISSUE 6, P520-525, November 2020

Stillbirth in Australia 3: Addressing stillbirth inequities in Australia: Steps towards a better future

  • Alice R. Rumbold
    Correspondence
    Corresponding author at: SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia.
    Affiliations
    SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia

    Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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  • Jane Yelland
    Affiliations
    Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Australia

    Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Australia
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  • Deanna Stuart-Butler
    Affiliations
    NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute – The University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Australia
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  • Madeline Forbes
    Affiliations
    NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute – The University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Australia
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  • Clemence Due
    Affiliations
    School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Australia
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  • Frances M. Boyle
    Affiliations
    NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute – The University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Australia

    Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Australia
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  • Philippa Middleton
    Affiliations
    SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia

    Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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      Abstract

      Persistent disparities in stillbirth risk and care are present in Australia. Eliminating these disparities is possible with a commitment to enhancing and scaling up models of culturally safe maternity care shown to be effective for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and those of migrant and refugee backgrounds. Campaigns to improve public awareness of stillbirth also play an important role in reducing stillbirth risk and consequences. To achieve reach and impact in communities at risk, messaging needs to be framed around the social and cultural context of women’s lives. Here we describe important initiatives underway within the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence to develop a coordinated national approach to stillbirth prevention and care in communities that bear a disproportionate burden of stillbirth.

      Keywords

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