Investing in women's health is not just a matter of fairness—it is a critical driver of societal and economic wellbeing. Research has consistently shown that when women’s health needs are met, societies prosper. At this week’s Senate Inquiry into Issues Related to Perimenopause and Menopause, policymakers were asked not to shy away from addressing the most debilitating symptoms of menopause amidst growing public awareness of its impact on women’s lives.  

The APA and Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA) applaud the NSW Select Committee on Birth Trauma report on its recommendation for physiotherapy to treat birth injuries. The report recognises the multifaceted impact of birth trauma and the critical importance of pelvic health physiotherapy for birthing parents in antenatal care.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has called for the Federal Government to invest in credible and effective primary healthcare, helping end the unnecessary suffering experienced by women during perimenopause and menopause.

One in two birthing parents in Australia experience birthing trauma (K Watson, 2021) leading to extensive, and often silent, suffering that impacts all aspects of their lives. Policy makers need to face this crisis head on and invest in access to pelvic health physiotherapy services. Presently, the escalating demand for physiotherapy services during and post pregnancy dramatically outweighs the access and funding available, leaving new parents without access to essential preventative and therapeutic healthcare, crucial for significantly reducing birth trauma.