Sounding the Alarm: Are Australia’s First Nations Women battling a second wave of cultural genocide as ‘birth” units close in traditional homelands?

Abstract

A close reading of the literature from Australia and internationally has disclosed an alarming, standardized practice of “closure” of birthing units in rural and remote communities. As a result, the forced relocation of women from their rural communities to birth in a centralized hospital particularly disadvantages First Nation’s Women. Being born ‘off country’ has the potential to disconnect women from their culture, traditions and family. “Closure” of birthing units has left a gap in the provision of equitable maternity care and highlights the lack of services and choice regarding models of care in regional and rural areas. The loss of maternity services in rural communities has a strong impact on the fabric of rural communities.. Rural birthing closures have led to the transfer of women from their local communities to give birth in regional hospitals, isolated from kin and clan. This project documents the political and social ramifications of the closure of a rural maternity service in a country area of New South Wales, Australia Women’s stories have been depicted through painting using the language of symbols relevant to First Nations people. Where it was possible, the painting has been translated by the artist to help the reader who is unfamiliar with Aboriginal art symbols to gain a better understanding of the problem. Field notes, letters and press cuttings have been included at the end to document the closure from the standpoint of the Local Health District, The Shire Council and the women themselves. The thesis is dedicated to the real warriors. The “Ngiyampaa – Ngemba” women Elders. To honour their ancestral heritage, cultural life, Dreaming birth song lines, and their ongoing battle in combating a second wave of cultural genocide. As ‘birth” units close in traditional homelands.