Stillbirth is one of the most devastating events a family can experience. It is often a hidden tragedy that causes significant personal, social and financial consequences for parents and families.

In Australia, stillbirth is the birth of a baby who has died either:

• any time from 20 weeks into the pregnancy

• weighing 400 g or more at birth.

The still birth rate in Australia is not reducing remaining between 6 and 7 still births per 1,000 births, despite $7 million being allocated to reduce stillbirth in Australia.

Why is this so? Until midwifery led continuity of care is clearly stated as a core component to reduce stillbirth, there will be no change to the status quo and women will continue to experience stillbirth.