Australia's mothers and babies

National Maternal Mortality Data Collection

NMMDC data are collected annually. Most jurisdictions need at least 12–18 months lead time to undertake post-mortem investigations, classification, data entry and validation as required after the end of a data collection period. Deaths subject to coronial inquiry may take longer to finalise.

Timelines for the reporting of 2019 maternal deaths data are outlined in Figure 1. These data were finalised and reported 22 to 23 months after the end of the collection period.

Figure 1: Months since the end of the 2019 calendar period and public reporting of National Maternal Mortality Data Collection, by jurisdiction

National Perinatal Mortality Data Collection

The NPMDC data cannot be finalised for a calendar year until all Jurisdictional Mortality Review Committee reports that apply to that period are complete. Jurisdictions coordinate and facilitate data collection procedures from service providers and the updating of records.

NPMDC data for 2019 was requested from states and territories on 26 June 2020 for submission to the AIHW by 14 August 2020. Data were received from 4 jurisdictions by this date. Data suppliers in some jurisdictions have given feedback that a request for data 17 months after the end of the collection period is unachievable as some data (particularly pertaining to PSANZ classification codes and contributory factors) are still waiting to be compiled at this stage.

Timelines for reporting perinatal deaths 2019 data are outlined in Figure 2. The NPMDC data for 2019 was finalised and reported 22 to 23 months after the end of the collection period.

Figure 2: Months since the end of the 2019 calendar period and public reporting of National Perinatal Mortality Data Collection, by jurisdiction