About this data strategy
There is currently no comprehensive picture of sexual and reproductive health in Australia. This Data Strategy sets out a practical approach to strengthening the evidence base by identifying critical data gaps and a staged plan to data development. It complements Bringing focus: a monitoring framework for sexual and reproductive health in Australia (the Framework), which outlines what should be measured to understand sexual and reproductive health in Australia. Together, they support consistent, evidence-based monitoring of sexual and reproductive health to inform policy, service planning and decision-making.
The initial priority topics are:
- menstrual disorders, symptoms and related conditions (including endometriosis)
- contraception
- pregnancy loss before 20 weeks’ gestation (including miscarriage)
- termination of pregnancy (abortion)
- perimenopause and menopause.
These 5 topics were selected based on their public health significance and limited national data and agreed in consultation with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. They respond to policy priorities and data-related recommendations from:
- the Senate inquiry into universal access to reproductive healthcare
- the Senate inquiry into issues related to menopause and perimenopause.
The Data Strategy focuses on addressing key data gaps by using or strengthening existing data sources where feasible and establishing new data collections where necessary. It prioritises approaches that maximise the use of available data, minimise duplication, and support integrated analysis to inform policy, service delivery and system improvement.
The Framework and Data Strategy are designed to evolve over time, reflecting emerging evidence, improvements in data availability and changing stakeholder needs.