South Australian MP Olivia Savvas has helped secure landmark reforms supporting families affected by stillbirth, inspired by the loss of her baby brother Benjamin in 2000.
“I have been forever shaped by the loss of my brother and I know first-hand the impact of infant loss is long-lasting,” Ms Savvas told The Advertiser.
As chair of the Parliamentary Select Committee into Stillbirth, Ms Savvas oversaw recommendations including $850,000 in funding for the Red Tree Foundation, dedicated stillbirth delivery suites at the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and a ‘purple butterfly’ program to help staff identify grieving parents.
“It has been 25 years since my mum first sought better outcomes from the state government after the loss of her little boy,” Ms Savvas said.
“I am incredibly proud that our government is taking steps to increase those supports for families like my own.”
Source: The Advertiser
