Samantha Payne, chief executive of Pink Elephants, is advocating for improved recognition and support for women who experience miscarriage, a struggle that often goes unnoticed. While Australian governments have made positive commitments to funding, gaps remain. Cesareans and stillbirths data collection and support services for those affected by pregnancy loss require major overhaul.
This led to a significant decision by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in September 2023. Their refusal to allow Pink Elephants to add miscarriage information to the next 2026 census. This refusal highlights a broader issue: the lack of national data on miscarriages, which Payne estimates can lead to underreporting. Studies have demonstrated that approximately one-fourth of clinically recognized pregnancies will result in miscarriage. One study even estimates that the actual rate is as high as 37 percent.
The Australian government has invested $9.5 million to fund programs on miscarriage in its 2024-25 Budget. It’s why advocates like Payne are celebrating this big step forward. She warns that creating a national pregnancy loss register will be a lengthy process.
“We’re excited to see that after years of calling for more data to understand it better, so we can support women better and address false narratives that exist … we’re grateful to see that,” – Samantha Payne
A shocking 68 percent of women say they received no emotional care when told their pregnancy had ended. Sarah Peters, who experienced a miscarriage, reflected on this lack of guidance:
“At the present time, there is nothing to recognise that our babies have been lost, with the exception of a commemorative certificate.” – Sarah Peters
Dr Nisha Khot is the president of the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians (RANZCOG). She has been a driving force behind Pink Elephants’ report on this topic. In addition to miscarriage not receiving the national attention it deserves, she discusses the systemic challenges that make this miscarriage data invisible.
“For many years, there has been this kind of narrative that miscarriage is something we can’t prevent. We can’t do anything about it. So is there any point in capturing the data?” – Dr. Nisha Khot
The disconnect between where the money is and where data is collected makes the issues even worse. Katrina Ward, or Treen, is the chief operations manager for the Brewarrina and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Services. Using her own experience, she highlights the inequalities experienced by women in country areas. They frequently take these journeys over great distances to reach the nearest hospital. Once there, they are treated like just a number and often released too early due to staffing constraints.
“Nothing is given in the way of funding unless they’ve got adequate data to prove that there’s a need for this particular service,” – Treen
The need for comprehensive data on miscarriages extends beyond mere statistics. It is vital for ensuring equitable support across various communities. Treen drives home the message that access to quality care shouldn’t be a fundamental right based on someone’s geographic location.
“We’re all individuals. We all deserve equality. It doesn’t matter where we live. We all deserve the choice to have a good life,” – Treen
Payne believes in that vision too. She believes that without solid data, services cannot best serve the needs of those affected by pregnancy loss.
“When we don’t measure, we don’t count, we don’t resource, and we don’t support,” – Samantha Payne
Miscarriage causes a brutal emotional burden for women everywhere, but even more so in rural areas. They have the added logistical burden of having to travel long distances for procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C). Treen underlines how these extra burdens add to that trauma of loss, making it so much worse for those who must contend with this reality.
“Often after a miscarriage, they may have to go to a larger regional centre to have a D&C, so that’s another layer of trauma on the individual,” – Treen
Though the recent announcement of funding is a strong and encouraging start, advocates continue to remind us that there is still a long way to go. Samantha Payne hopes to see a national database by mid-next year, which could significantly enhance support services for women experiencing pregnancy loss.
“That will be data that’s entered by health professionals, but we still see another gap — the census,” – Samantha Payne
The discussion around miscarriage is at a tipping point. Advocates such as Payne, Khot, and Treen are determined to ensure that women no longer have to endure their pain in silence. Beyond the data they focus on counting each loss but on delivering life-saving help with focused outreach and services.
