Lost in translation: Having a baby in Australia when English isn’t your first language

A new report from the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute is calling for a reassessment of how Australia’s healthcare system supports women whose first language is not English, highlighting major disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Women, particularly those from marginalised and non-English speaking backgrounds, experience poorer health outcomes due to systemic issues like delayed diagnoses, over-prescription, and inadequate investigation of symptoms. While women tend to live longer than men, they are more prone to chronic conditions and mental health challenges, with the disparities being more severe for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

Pregnancy often serves as a critical entry point into the healthcare system, providing an opportunity for medical professionals to address broader health needs, including preventive care, family planning, and menopause management. However, women from non-English speaking backgrounds face higher risks of complications such as stillbirth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes - further complicating their healthcare experiences.

The narrative calls for more inclusive healthcare delivery to meet the needs of culturally diverse women and improve outcomes beyond reproductive health.