Karen Schlage’s own experience of pregnancy loss was the catalyst for her to advocate for better support for grieving families experiencing perinatal loss.
Karen lost her only children, Charlie and Sophia, during the second trimester of each pregnancy. Through these experiences, she has become a passionate, empathetic and effective advocate for others facing pregnancy loss. Karen’s presentation to an inquiry into maternity care led to important changes in the Australian Capital Territory health system including the opening of a dedicated early pregnancy loss unit at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.
Karen’s advocacy has significantly contributed to policy development in maternity care, locally and nationally. Based on Karen’s Churchill Fellowship recommendations, an in-hospital perinatal bereavement companion program is being implemented.
Karen’s understanding and empathy have driven essential and meaningful change in how the health system provides care and support across Australia to families facing such heartbreaking loss.