• Marilyn Clarke and Jacqueline Boyle.
• MBBS (Class II Hons), GradDip ClinEpi, FRANZCOG, Staff Specialist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynacology, Grafton Base Hospital, Grafton, NSW.
• Aust Fam Physician. 2014 Jan 1; 43 (1): 20-4.

BackgroundAbout 6% of Australian births are to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander parent and there is a clear disparity in birth outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians. Some issues affecting birth outcomes are similar nationally whilst others will be more particular to certain areas.ObjectiveThis paper will highlight important areas that may facilitate improved care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.DiscussionA key component of improving pregnancy outcomes is early and ongoing engagement in antenatal care, which is facilitated by the provision of culturally appropriate and evidence based care relevant to the local community. The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live in urban or inner regional areas and receive healthcare through mainstream services and it is important therefore for all practitioners to be aware of how to optimise care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

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