Episode Synopsis: Storm and Gina talk about working at “The Women’s” (Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne). The Women’s has a complex history involving the enforcement of the ‘Aborigines’ Protection Act (1869) which caused First Nations babies and children to be removed from their families, community and culture. How is it possible to build trust in institutions that have had such a damaging impact on communities in the past? Storm and Gina work to create an intersectional, culturally safe service at multiple levels and promote a whole of hospital approach. We discuss how they ensure birthing people have a voice and a choice within a hierarchical organisation and don't have to hide their identities.

Episode notes:

Read more about Badjurr-Bulok Wilam https://www.thewomens.org.au/patients-visitors/clinics-and-services/support-services/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-women

Music in this episode includes ‘Me on the inside’ by Ketsa and ‘Esse’ by Xylo-Ziko, used under a Creative Commons license from Free Music Archive.

Birthing and Justice is written and produced by Dr Ruth De Souza on the traditional and unceded lands of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nations. Sound editing by Olivia Smith.