The Minns Labor Government is partnering with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to increase awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), and support women to have the information they need to reduce their risk of CMV in pregnancy and protect babies’ brains.
CMV is a common virus which can be passed from pregnant mother to baby, and can impact the baby’s brain development, in some cases leading to lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, hearing loss, or epilepsy.
If diagnosed early, antiviral medication can be given to the pregnant mother to reduce the risk of the virus passing to the developing baby.
A $850,000 contribution from the Minns Labor Government will support collaboration between NSW Health and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to increase awareness of CMV and promote hygiene-based prevention strategies.
The awareness campaign will focus on supporting pregnant women and those planning pregnancy to know how to reduce their risk of CMV infection in pregnancy.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering world-class care for women and their babies. The 2025-26 NSW Budget included $83 million boost to maternity care, including:
- $44.8 million over four years to increase access to midwifery continuity of care models, including ongoing funding for an additional 53 full-time equivalent midwives in regional NSW
- enhanced training for clinicians in respectful maternity care
- enhanced antenatal education and information for women and families
- $26.8 million to maintain seven family care centres, five mobile services and the Macksville residential unit, all in regional and rural NSW
- $5.7 million to support free vaccination to pregnant women to protect them and their babies from whooping cough, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection
- $250,000 for virtual paediatrician support to general practitioners across NSW.
Further information on CMV can be found on Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“Expecting a baby can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also bring uncertainty and anxiety for some families. This is about making sure families have the information they need as they get ready to welcome their new bub.
“We know that CMV can lead to lifelong disabilities for developing babies, but we also know it can be prevented.
“Ensuring families are aware of CMV and understand the simple steps they can take to reduce the risk of infection is crucial.
“We are delighted to be supporting the work of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, an organisation which has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy and raising awareness of CMV.”
Quotes attributed to Cerebral Palsy Alliance CEO, Rob White:
“The Cerebral Palsy Alliance welcomes Minister Park and the NSW Government’s commitment to improving awareness of CMV through this important investment.
“For too long, many women have completed their pregnancies without ever hearing about CMV, despite national guidelines recommending they receive this information. Every expectant parent deserves timely, evidence-based advice that can help reduce the risk of congenital CMV.
“This campaign is an important opportunity to reach women at the right time with practical information that can help protect babies and reduce the lifelong impact of congenital CMV on Australian families.”
Quotes attributable to Chair of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Professor Nadia Badawi AM:
“Too few women know about CMV, the leading infectious cause of lifelong disability in babies.
“The good news is that there are opportunities to reduce the risk of infection during pregnancy, but women need access to the right information at the right time.
“This investment will help put CMV on the radar for families, giving them the knowledge they need to stay healthy and protect their baby’s brain during pregnancy. It will also equip health professionals with the information they need to support women and families at this important time.
“Because a simple conversation at the right time could change the course of a baby’s life.”
Quotes attributable to Advocate Stephanie Briggs:
“CMV changed our family forever. It can have devastating, lifelong consequences, yet having the right knowledge, support and resources can make a profound difference in helping to protect families and unborn babies.
“Knowing this investment will help ensure more families have access to the vital information we didn’t have, understand the simple, practical steps they can take to reduce their risk, and feel empowered to protect their babies, is incredibly meaningful.
“This is the kind of change many in the CMV community have been advocating for, giving families the knowledge they need to take action before it’s too late.
“I urge every woman who is pregnant or planning to start a family to learn more about CMV before it is too late.
“My hope is that no family will ever first hear the words ‘congenital CMV’ in a moment of crisis.”
