Wednesday, 1 April 2026

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (18:56): (2475) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health regarding the rising number of unsafe freebirths occurring across Victoria. The action I seek is for the minister to outline the steps that the government will take to improve oversight in the sector of freebirthing practice, increase transparency of data and ensure that potential mothers have access to safe and regulated maternity care. Recent reporting has revealed at least 13 babies have died in Victoria over the past five months due to births that are occurring without the assistance of qualified medical or midwife professionals. One life lost is one life too many. Furthermore, 11 babies have suffered potential lifelong brain injuries due to this method of birthing. It is the government’s job to prioritise the safety of both mothers and babies. It has been made clear by health experts that these incidents were preventable and could have been avoided if the mothers had proper medical care during labour. It is quite alarming that there has been no clear regulatory response to address the risks posed by these unregulated birth workers.

Additionally, there is an issue of a lack of transparency. Reports of freebirth-related deaths and injuries have been emerging through investigative journalism rather than clear government reporting. Why has the data been so difficult to access, one needs to ask? Without accurate and timely information how can expectant mothers be equipped to make fully informed decisions about their care? However, it is not only the lack of transparency for expectant mothers that is the issue but broader systemic issues like a shortage of private midwives, limited access to homebirth programs and a growing distrust of the healthcare system. These are the issues that have pushed some women towards unsafe alternatives. That is not to say every woman does not have the right to choose how she gives birth, but that choice must be supported by accurate information and safe alternative options. No family should suffer losses due to gaps in regulations or access to care. I ask the minister to provide a clear plan, improve transparency in reporting, strengthen oversight of unregulated birth practice and expand access to safe maternity care so that incidents like these can be prevented in the future.