A maternal health expert is calling on the federal government to provide more culturally appropriate paternity support services to First Nations men during their partners’ pregnancy.
The call follows a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealing First Nations women are less likely to receive antenatal care compared to non-Indigenous women.
The report found only 52 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mums received care during their first trimester in 2013 due to difficulties accessing culturally appropriate health services or unwillingness.
Johanna Neville from Apunipima Cape York Health Council in Queensland says First Nations fathers need more support and recognition for the important roles they play during pregnancy.