Advocacy Position Statement
Promoting dignity and safety in maternal health for diverse and migrant populations
Our commitments
Every woman and birthing family has the right to respectful, dignified, trauma-informed and culturally safe maternity care. This right is grounded in human rights frameworks, the World Health Organization's statement on the prevention and elimination of disrespect and abuse during childbirth, and Australia's commitments to equity in healthcare.
Migrant, refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women experience significant and persistent inequities in Australian maternity care. These include later access to antenatal care, higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes, experiences of racism and discrimination, language barriers, and models of care that often fail to recognise cultural, religious and linguistic needs. Temporary visa holders face additional structural barriers, including limited or delayed access to Medicare-eligible care.
MCRMC affirms that:
• Lived experience of migrant and culturally diverse women and families must be central to the design, delivery and evaluation of maternity services.
• Cultural safety, anti-racism and trauma-informed practice are essential components of quality care, not optional extras.
• Continuity of care, professional interpreting, bicultural support and community-led models improve experiences and outcomes.
• Systemic change requires coordinated advocacy, better data, workforce development, and dedicated investment.