Respectful Maternity Care Conference
Brisbane 
6-7 March, 2026

We are excited to announce the Respectful Maternity Care Conference, to be held on 6-7 March 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. 

This exciting event is an Australian first, and we look forward to welcoming maternity staff, researchers and consumers from across the country.

We invite healthcare professionals, researchers, students, advocates, organisations, policymakers, and consumers to submit abstracts for consideration. 

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All are welcome to submit abstracts. 

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Venue: Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Education Centre

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Conference Themes:

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Day 1: First Nations/Migrant/CALD Communities and Racism in Maternity Care

• Culturally Competent Care Practices: How organisations have adapted their protocols and practices to better serve First Nations, migrant and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities within maternity services.

• Improving outcomes for First Nations and Migrant women and families: Research, case studies, posters or workshops demonstrating effective strategies for combating racism and discrimination in healthcare.

Day 2: Broadening the Scope of Respectful Maternity Care

• Informed Consent and RMC: Exploration of policies, education, or advocacy efforts aimed at eliminating obstetric violence and enhancing informed consent practices.

• Understanding and Preventing Birth Trauma: Insights into the causes of birth trauma with a focus on preventative measures and therapeutic responses.

• Program Implementation for Broader Impact: How organizations have successfully implemented policies or programs addressing day 2 topics, including lessons learned and measurable improvements to respectful maternity care.

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A sneak peak of some of our presenters (more to come including specific topics):

• Dr Marian Dover- (rural GPOB, Founder of Australia Rural Maternity Ass)

• Dr Alicia Veasey - (First Nations Obstetrician)

• Dr Nish Knot (RANZCOG President)

• Dr Alka Kothari (Ass Prof., OB)

• Prof Meghan Bohren

• Elizabeth Wilkes (QLD Chief Midwife)

• Wendy Fry and Dr Stephen Tucker (Director of Midwifery and Obstetrics co-presenting on cultural change to achieve RMC)

• Dr Elizabeth Martin (Health Economist)

• Dr Marjan Khajehei (Ass Prof., Clinical Midwife Consultant)