Saving Koah: The Fight Against Birth Trauma in Australia

In a small town in southeast Queensland, Sam Hall, an Aboriginal woman, experienced a traumatic birth involving her son Koah. Facing dismissive medical staff and delays in treatment, Koah was born with serious health complications. Hall’s story is just one of thousands in Australia that highlight the crisis in the maternity healthcare system.

A landmark study revealed that up to a third of mothers in Australia suffer from birth trauma, with over 10% experiencing obstetric violence. This has led to a parliamentary inquiry calling for reforms to better protect women during childbirth. Despite recommendations for improved care, the inquiry fell short of recognizing obstetric violence as a form of gender-based violence.

Amy Dawes, who suffered life-altering injuries during childbirth, founded the Australasian Birth Trauma Association to raise awareness and support for women affected by birth trauma. The long-term effects of birth injuries are often overlooked, impacting not only the mothers but also their families and society as a whole.

As mothers like Sam Hall and advocates continue to push for change, the battle against birth trauma in Australia is far from over.