Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (18:09): (2449) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health, and the action I am seeking is for urgent action on the issue of birth trauma in Victoria. Research indicates that one in three birthing people experience birth trauma. Nationally the cost to the health system and affected individuals reached $877 million in a single year, according to a report by PwC. Between 500 and 1000 submissions to the New South Wales birth trauma inquiry were from Victorian residents alone, yet Victoria is one of the only states to have made no substantive response to this. The following examples are drawn from a constituent, illustrating the concrete ways in which failure of informed consent, continuity of care and transparency of birthing options can lead to lasting harm. The person who has reached out experienced coerced consent and lack of information, including being given only one clinical option and no diagnostic test to confirm the stated reason for that option. They were denied time to consider alternatives and told the procedure would happen regardless when they requested time to consider other options. Their request for pain relief, birthing aids and change of position during labour were denied, with repeated pressure towards specific interventions without disclosure of their risks. They were also asked to sign a consent form that included procedures that they were not aware at the time that they were signing off on. They were denied bodily autonomy during labour, including physical and invasive care performed without consent, multiple unknown staff entering the room without introducing themselves and a shift handover conducted in the room while they were in active labour. Following birth, they experienced a perineal injury, symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder and thoughts of self-harm. They reported that a specialist they saw implied that the injury was their own fault and that they received no referral to a pelvic floor specialist, leaving them to seek out costly private care.

These experiences are of just one person, but they reflect stories I hear frequently. They have also been borne out in various inquiries, including the previously referenced New South Wales birth trauma inquiry and the Victorian women’s pain inquiry. They reflect systemic failures of how Victoria’s maternity system treats birthing people. And while this issue requires a comprehensive response, there are three priority areas for reform: universal public access to continuity of carer models, which evidence demonstrates come with significant benefits; full and clear mandated informed consent processes for birth options and procedures – it is critical that all birthing people are presented with all of the available options – and full, impartial, evidence-based information about the risks and benefits; and there needs to be genuine consumer engagement and co-design in any reforms. The experiences of those who have bravely spoken up should not go unheeded, and it is time the Victorian government listened.