Each year there are an estimated 3.2 million stillbirths across the world and they are still a daily occurrence even in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, where many cases are still unexplained. Even though infant mortality rates have been dropping, there has been no reduction in the rate of stillbirths. The Lancet journal has been working with the International Stillbirth Alliance to pull together the latest research and show new data in a special series on stillbirths which is being launched simultaneously in Australia (at the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand annual congress in Hobart), London and the US. The series includes six papers, eight commentaries and two supplemental research papers involving 69 authors across 18 countries. (Please let us know if you would like to see the embargoed papers.)
At the online press briefing in Hobart we will have four expert panellists who are part of the Australian and New Zealand Stillbirth Alliance, an alliance of organisations and individuals who collaborate to enhance the conduct of high quality research, promote evidence based maternity care.
Listen in to the briefing to hear about the new findings and ask questions such as:
- What are the main causes of stillbirths and what does this latest research tell us?
- Why is the rate of stillbirths not dropping despite reductions in infant mortality?
- Can anything be done to stop a stillbirth from happening and can we ever expect to stop all stillbirths completely?
- How do Australia and New Zealand compare to the rest of the world?
Watch the full presentation here (Webex) - note: the last 10 minutes of audio is missing from this playback
SPEAKERS:
Speaker bio notes here (pdf)
- A/Prof Vicki Flenady, Perinatal Researcher at the Mater Medical Research Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland and Chair of the International Stillbirth Alliance | Listen (mp3)
- Prof David Ellwood, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Canberra Hospital and Deputy Dean of Australian National University Medical School and International Stillbirth Alliance Board Member | Listen (mp3)
- Philippa Middleton, Research leader at the Australian Research Centre for the Health of Women and Babies (ARCH), Adelaide | Listen (mp3)
- Ros Richardson, Health Promotion Manager for SIDS and Kids NSW and Parent Advisory Committee Member for the International Stillbirth Alliance | Listen (mp3)
- Listen to the Q and A session here (mp3)
BRIEFING DETAILS:
DATE: Today, Wednesday 13 April 2011
START TIME: 10.30am AEST
DURATION: Approx 60 min
VENUE: Online