The NSW Government has announced $250,000 in funding to help deliver a statewide inclusive antenatal education and pregnancy support program for LGBTQ+ families.
The one-off funding contribution will help LGBTQ+ non-government organisation, Rainbow Families expand their program over the next three years to provide culturally appropriate education for LGBTQ+ families, across NSW, no matter where they live.
Inclusive antenatal care plays a critical role in supporting healthy pregnancies for LGBTQ+ families by ensuring they have access to services that address their specific health needs, including support with LGBTQ+ specific pregnancy and parenting pathways.
The program will provide a welcoming space where LGTBQ+ families can receive advice and guidance, build their peer support networks, and share experiences on how they can best navigate the healthcare system.
The program focuses on improving access to culturally appropriate antenatal education, reducing social isolation during pregnancy, improving mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ pregnant people, strengthening community connection, and improving health literacy for LGBTQ+ families
The program includes two components:
- Antenatal education classes (face-to-face and virtual).
- Fortnightly pregnancy support group (open attendance model, up to 20 participants per session).
Both antenatal education classes and pregnancy support groups will be hosted by qualified facilitators, enabling tailored education for LGBTQ+ families across NSW.
The NSW Government has invested $83 million to boost maternity care in the 2025/26 Budget, including funding to support enhanced antenatal education.
This program builds on this investment to improve access to appropriate antenatal education and pregnancy mental health support, in line with the NSW LGBTIQ+ Strategy 2022 – 2027 and relevant NSW Health policy.
Information on how to join the program is available by visiting https://www.rainbowfamilies.com.au/
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“Traditional antenatal classes and support groups may be intimidating for those in the LGBTQ+ community. By investing in a targeted LGBTQ+ program, we are expanding the education options for expectant and new parents across the state.
“It’s great to see a charity like Rainbow Families bringing LGBTQ+ families together, to help address some of the challenges all parents face in an inclusive and appropriate way.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen:
“Reducing barriers to pregnancy education and support is essential to ensuring LGBTQ+ families feel respected, supported and included in our health system.
“Through this program, LGBTQ+ families will have a welcoming, inclusive environment that connects them with the care and support they need.”
Quotes attributable to Rainbow Families CEO Ashley Scott:
“This program reflects what LGBTQ+ families across NSW have needed for a long time – a genuinely welcoming space to learn, connect and build the peer support networks that are so vital to their health and wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood.
“This investment in inclusive antenatal education that truly reflects the lives of LGBTQ+ families is welcomed by the Rainbow Families community. These classes will ensure expectant parents can learn about pregnancy and birth in an environment where they feel seen, respected and supported, with facilitators and peers who understand their journey.
“For the first time in NSW, Rainbow Families will be able to offer a dedicated pregnancy support group for our community. Meeting fortnightly, this will give LGBTQ+ families a consistent, welcoming space to share experiences, seek guidance and build the connections that carry them through one of life’s most significant transitions.”
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