Babies are being born before arriving at hospital at double the rate in regional NSW areas since 2001.
When Shara Kimpton gave birth to her third child five weeks early in 2023, she was in a rest area on the Sturt Highway in the New South Wales Riverina.
Rates are highest on the Central Coast and northern NSW, where one in 67 babies is now born before making it to hospital.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he wanted to "get that number down" and would consider a target if it was advised by the recently appointed inaugural chief midwife.
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Summarized version
Examples of mothballed maternity units include the unit at Parkes but Ryan Park said he was still working towards opening it.
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The article, shortened and in plain language
Babies are being born before arriving at hospital at double the rate in regional NSW areas since 2001.
Advocates say the increase is due to a long-term trend of dozens of birthing services being closed or understaffed, forcing women to travel further to give birth.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says while still a small percentage, he wants to "get that number down" by hiring more midwives and introducing more homebirth options.
When Shara Kimpton gave birth to her third child five weeks early in 2023, she was in a rest area on the Sturt Highway in the New South Wales Riverina.
Stories like Ms Kimpton's are becoming more common.
Rates are highest on the Central Coast and northern NSW, where one in 67 babies is now born before making it to hospital.
Perinatal social worker and regional maternity advocate Jen Laurie said anecdotally many were those in transit, known as "roadside births".
Ms Laurie has spoken to dozens of women about their birthing experience and through her Bush Babies campaign, lobbying the NSW Government, with many sharing stories of births at rest stops and in toilet blocks.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he wanted to "get that number down" and would consider a target if it was advised by the recently appointed inaugural chief midwife.
In a statement, a Murrumbidgee Local Health District apologised that Griffith Hospital was not able to provide Ms Kimpton with an antenatal visit before the recommended 14 weeks, and that maternity staff aim to provide ongoing support and information for birth and emergency options.
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