PHPA (Pro-life Health Professionals Australia) is the national peak body dedicated to supporting healthcare providers who advocate for medical care, that safeguards the lives of both pregnant mothers and their in-utero infant. Our organisation stands firm on the values of the Hippocratic tradition, recognising that human life begins at fertilisation and should be protected within the womb.

Australia is among the few countries where abortion is legal up until birth. PHPA supports pro-life health professionals and trainees who face increasing pressure to conform and compromise their values. We provide essential resources, confidential advice, and networking opportunities to help our members practice life-affirming healthcare.

 

Our Values

  • PHPA encourages medical practitioners to practice medicine according to the Hippocratic tradition, to first do no harm to mothers or their in-utero infants.
  • PHPA healthcare practitioners place value on the scientific fact that a distinct human life begins at fertilisation and should be protected within their mother’s womb.
  • PHPA health practitioners challenge the narrative that “abortion is healthcare,” acknowledging that healthcare seeks to maintain health by treating disease;  pregnancy is not a disease.
  • PHPA promotes compassionate life-affirming healthcare for mothers whose in-utero infant is diagnosed with a congenital medical condition.

Led by Dr. Melissa Lai, a senior Neonatologist with a commitment to Neonatal research and advocacy, our executive team is devoted to building a strong membership base, advising legislative reforms and developing evidence based clinical guidelines that value both the mother and her in-utero infant. With additional representation from Obstetrics, General Practice, Allied Health, Midwives, Nurses and Legal Expertise, our executive leadership are ready to fulfil PHPA's mission in advocating for mothers and our smallest patients.

 

Our Vision

  • To build a membership base of PHPA healthcare practitioners who align with our values.
  • To advocate for legislative and policy reform that safeguards the lives of the pregnant mother and her in-utero infant.
  • To provide voice within the Australian healthcare sector, developing evidence-based clinical guidelines and position statements that simultaneously value the mother and her in-utero infant.
  • To proactively speak out on behalf of patients and healthcare workers who experience increasing pressure to consent to or perform procedures that intentionally ends the life of an in-utero infant.
  • To support research strategies that focus on life-affirming healthcare options that optimise quality of life, instead of recommending death.


We Provide

Communication

Up to date information on clinical, research and legislative developments, advocacy opportunities and community events.

Advice

Seek confidential advice through our members only email list service.

Support

Meet and network with other professionals working in the provision of life-affirming healthcare across Australia. PHPA hosts a biennial conference, as well as training and education events.

Join us in our mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers and their in-utero children by promoting a culture that respects and protects life from its very beginning.