New Senate inquiry to examine women’s health after childbirth
20 Aug 2026
The Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health was established following a motion by South Australian Labor Senator Marielle Smith. It will examine issues including fertility, postpartum healthcare and women’s experiences of pain.
Senator Smith said her own experiences with mastitis and postnatal anxiety helped shape her interest in the inquiry. She hopes the committee will encourage more women to seek support during the weeks and months after giving birth.
The inquiry will look at:
- Best-practice postpartum healthcare for mothers and partners
- Physical, psychological, emotional and financial impacts of childbirth
- Antenatal and postpartum reproductive health support
- Women’s experiences when seeking care for pain, including medical misogyny
RACGP Acting Vice-President Dr Cathryn Hester welcomed the inquiry, saying access to postpartum care can vary depending on cost, location and health literacy.
The RACGP is calling for a dedicated Medicare Benefits Schedule-funded GP-led postpartum care plan and a National Breastfeeding Advisory Council to strengthen support during the first year after birth.
It also wants state and territory governments to digitise the Pregnancy Health Record and Baby Book.
Dr Kavita Thanakrishnan, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine, said the inquiry could help create more coordinated, ongoing care for mothers and babies after birth.
The Select Committee will be chaired by Senator Marielle Smith.
New Senate inquiry to examine women’s health after childbirth
Source: RACGP newsGP