Red Nose Australia is calling for compassion, understanding and inclusion for all families who experience stillbirth or baby loss, including those who undergo a Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR), in the national conversation surrounding Priya’s Law. 

 Red Nose supports Priya’s Law, which will ensure compassionate financial and emotional support for families who experience stillbirth and baby loss. It is a day to be proud of Australia’s policymakers for having passed this law.  

The organisation is concerned that recent public commentary risks deepening the stigma and emotional distress experienced by families already navigating unimaginable grief. 

“In Australia, late-term TFMRs can only be performed after consultation between at least two medical practitioners, and only when both agree that the procedure is medically appropriate. These are most often agreed to, due to severe foetal abnormalities or significant risk to the mother’s life,” said Red Nose CEO, Amy Cooper. 

“We walk alongside many families who have faced the heartbreak of a TFMR. These are not decisions made lightly.  They are made with love, compassion and profound sadness in the most devastating of medical circumstances.” 

“Termination for Medical Reasons is a form of baby loss,” Ms Cooper said. “It should be recognised and supported with the same understanding, care and respect as any other stillbirth or infant loss.” 

Families who experience TFMR often face additional layers of silence and misunderstanding. 

Stacey, who underwent a TFMR in February 2022, said: 

“Termination for medical reasons is also baby loss, and it needs to be recognised and supported within the baby loss community and the wider community.” 

Fotini, who has experienced two TFMRs following spina bifida diagnoses for her sons Bruce and Blake, shared: 

“There is an added layer of grief and silence around termination for medical reasons, which is why I want to talk about Bruce and Blake publicly.” 

Fotini also spoke of the emotional and physical trauma that can accompany these experiences: 

“You spend hours in labour, surrounded by silence once your baby is born sleeping. You hold your baby until you say goodbye. It’s not an easy way out, it’s heartbreak.” 

Red Nose stands with all families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, or the death of a baby or child, including those who have undergone a TFMR. 

“Our message is simple,” Ms Cooper said. “Every family who experiences the loss of a baby deserves compassion, inclusion and support, without judgement.” 

For comment or interview: 
Fiona Jordan | 0402 846 867 

If you are sharing stories about TFMR, please include Red Nose’s 24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line — 1300 308 307 — which provides free, confidential support for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth (including TFMR), or the death of a baby or child.