National Women’s Council Submission to Joint Committee on Health (National Maternity Strategy)

Published: Tuesday, March 03, 2026

This submission builds on our extensive research and consultation not only with our membership but also with women in all their diversity – including Traveller women, Roma women, migrant women, disabled women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) - who have actively participated from our women’s health research. We are convinced that there is still a pressing need of consolidating a maternity system that is built on opportunity and continuity of care and accessible to all women without exception. Maternity care is a core part of women’s health care and a human right, not simply a clinical service, it needs to be women-centred and evidence-based. It is critical that a new Maternity Strategy is rooted in women’s experiences, in all their diversity.

Download file: National Women’s Council Submission to Joint Committee on Health (National Maternity Strategy)