The economic impacts of stillbirth in Australia

Brief

An investigation into the scale of economic impact associated with stillbirth in Australia.

Background

We know that it is not possible to put a simple dollar number on the loss of an infant through stillbirth as it has devastating impacts on families. It has a profound emotional impact on those directly affected and the community more generally. Unfortunately, the causes of stillbirth are poorly understood. This complicates the development of effective strategies to reduce the risk and effects of stillbirth.

While stillbirth leads to significant economic and societal costs, the economic and social impacts of stillbirth are poorly documented in Australia. We conducted this study to shed light on this issue and to contribute to the conversation on the nature and scale of impacts associated with stillbirth.

Key takeaways

Improving access to child bereavement counselling, targeted interventions to reduce the impact on mental health, and raising awareness of the topic to minimise the social stigma attached to stillbirth could potentially result in a positive impact on people who have experienced stillbirth.

“The total economic impact over a five-year period from 2016-2020 is $681.4 million (in 2016 present value terms). ”

Key Contributors

Victoria Bowring – General Manager, Stillbirth Foundation Australia

Professor Jonathan Morris – Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology & Director, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Northern Clinical School; Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Chairman, Stillbirth Foundation Australia

Suzi Russell-Gilford – Partner, PwC; Director, Stillbirth Foundation Australia.

Full report

Download the report findings here: Economic-Impacts-of-Stillbirth-2016-PwC

Funding amount

$52,500

This study sheds light on the nature and scale of impacts associated with stillbirth.