Stillbirth and Pregnancy Loss in Australia: Support and Entitlements

Losing a baby during pregnancy or at birth is one of the most heartbreaking experiences an Aussie family can face. In Australia, where we pride ourselves on world-class healthcare, stillbirth and pregnancy loss still affect thousands of families each year, but there are vital supports and entitlements to help you through the unimaginable.

Understanding Stillbirth and Pregnancy Loss in Australia

Stillbirth is defined as the loss of a baby after 20 weeks' gestation, or sometimes from 28 weeks depending on the context, while pregnancy loss can include earlier miscarriages. In 2022, Australia saw over 3,000 perinatal deaths, including more than six stillbirths every day and two neonatal deaths within the first 28 days of life. That's around one percent of all births, with rates sitting at about 2.4 stillbirths per 1,000 births globally for our country in recent data.

While Australia ranks among the safest places to give birth—with rates far lower than many nations like Pakistan at 30.9 per 1,000—progress has been uneven. Adjusted rates for stillbirths at 28 weeks or more hovered around 2.2 per 1,000 in 2022, showing stability but highlighting the need for continued action.

Who is Most Affected?

Disparities exist, with higher rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, some migrant and refugee groups, young women under 20, and those in remote or disadvantaged areas—often more than double the general population. About 15% of stillbirths remain unexplained, and four in five happen before 37 weeks.

National Efforts to Prevent Stillbirth

The National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan (NSAIP), launched in 2020, targets a 20% reduction in stillbirths after 28 weeks over five years, alongside respectful bereavement care. It covers five priority areas, from prevention to support.

The Safer Baby Bundle

This evidence-based program, rolled out in Victoria and nationally, includes five elements like smoking cessation advice, fetal monitoring, and awareness of reduced movements. Evaluations show it reduced stillbirths and perinatal mortality without increasing C-sections or preterm births. In Victorian sites, unexplained stillbirths dropped, though benefits weren't equal across all groups, like some migrants or Indigenous women—leading to culturally adapted versions such as Stronger Bubba Born for First Nations families and Growing a Healthy Baby for migrant backgrounds.

Substandard care contributes to up to one-third of perinatal deaths, so building health service capacity through audits and continuity of care is a key research priority.

Emotional and Community Support Services

You're not alone—several Aussie organisations provide free, confidential support tailored for families grieving pregnancy loss.

• Stillbirth Foundation Australia: Offers peer support, counselling, and the SANDS peer support program. Call their 24/7 line at 1300 308 307.
• Sands Australia: National network with local groups for sharing experiences; find your nearest at sands.org.au.
• Bearing All: Online community and resources for miscarriage, termination, and stillbirth.
• Red Nose Grief Support: For any child loss, including stillbirth; helpline 1300 308 307.

Hospitals often provide immediate bereavement care, including memory-making like hand/foot prints and photography through programs like Heartfelt.

Counselling and Mental Health

Access free sessions via Medicare with a GP Mental Health Care Plan—up to 10 sessions annually. For pregnancy-specific grief, the Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) helpline (1300 726 306) offers specialised support. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Financial Entitlements and Government Support

Australia's safety net includes paid leave and payments to ease financial strain during this time.

Paid Parental Leave and Stillbirth Leave

Under the Paid Parental Leave scheme, eligible parents get 22 weeks of Parental Leave Pay at the national minimum wage ($915.80 per week from July 2026) if the baby is stillborn after 20 weeks. This applies regardless of birth outcome, and you can claim via Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au).

From 2023, employees get 2 days of paid Stillbirth Leave for the death of a child after 20 weeks or weighing 400g or more—full or part-time workers qualify, paid at base rate.

Other Payments

• Stillborn Baby Payment: One-off $4,191 (2026 rate) via Centrelink for babies 20+ weeks who aren't registered on the birth register.
• Bereavement Payment: For widows or partners if eligible for other payments.
• Superannuation: Death benefits may apply; contact your fund.

Check eligibility at servicesaustralia.gov.au or call 132 307. Self-employed? You might qualify for Dad and Partner Pay (2 weeks).

Centrelink and Tax Implications

No impact on Family Tax Benefit if the baby wasn't born alive, but confirm with the ATO for any baby bonus equivalents. Funeral expenses may be tax-deductible if over certain thresholds (ato.gov.au).

Legal and Practical Steps After Loss

After a stillbirth, you'll need the baby's body for registration and burial/cremation. Most states require a medical certificate; registration is free and doesn't require a birth certificate.

• Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM): Register within 60 days (varies by state); e.g., NSW bdm.nsw.gov.au.
• Autopsy: Optional but recommended for answers; discuss with your doctor.
• Funeral Support: Medicare covers some costs if under hospital care; otherwise, compassionate grants via Centrelink.

Work rights include unpaid bereavement leave (2 days) and protection from dismissal. Notify your employer early.

Next Steps for Healing and Recovery

Reach out today—contact Services Australia for payments, your GP for a mental health plan, and a support service like the Stillbirth Foundation. Join a local group to connect with others who've walked this path. While no one can bring your baby back, these Australian resources honour their memory and support your family's future. Healing takes time, but help is here for every Aussie family.