MOTIONS › International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
Senator RUSTON (South Australia—Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) (16:01): I seek leave to make a short statement. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: One minute, thank you, Senator Ruston. Senator RUSTON: The coalition government is committed to supporting those affected by pregnancy and infant loss and to improving infant and maternal health outcomes. Since coming into government we have invested $11.8 million in perinatal bereavement and depression peer support services. In the 2018-19 budget we committed $77.9 million to improve infant and maternal health, including programs to reduce the risks of stillborn and neonatal death; $20 million for Mackenzie's Mission, a reproductive genetic screening trial for debilitating birth disorders that can lead to infant loss, including spinal muscular atrophy, fragile X syndrome and cystic fibrosis; and $17.5 million for the Maternal Health and First 2000 Days program. Question agreed to.