Pregnancy Loss, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death

Venning acknowledged the awareness month but criticised the government's management of regional birthing services, citing closures in Kapunda and Whyalla. Venning argued that rotating services between Jamestown and Crystal Brook created uncertainty for expectant mothers and reduced access to care. Venning claimed that regional women were being forced to travel further for maternity care, which added stress during times of loss. Venning asserted that location should not determine the quality of healthcare received.

Witty shared her personal experience of pregnancy loss and noted that stillbirth rates are higher among First Nations, culturally diverse, and rural women. Witty outlined the National Stillbirth Action Implementation Plan and the $19 million national preterm birth prevention program. Witty detailed funding for bereavement care, including support for Red Nose Australia and telehealth psychology services for remote areas. Witty emphasised the government's investment in specialist perinatal mental health centres to address anxiety and depression during the prenatal period.

O'Brien argued that human life begins at conception and that the loss of a prenatal child is a significant tragedy for families. O'Brien shared his personal experience of miscarriage and emphasised the enduring nature of grief for parents and extended family. O'Brien stated that every child matters and that grieving families deserve compassion and appropriate support. O'Brien commended the motion to honour the lives lost and the families carrying that grief.