Campaigning for
Beyond the Basic Sex Education in Australian Secondary Schools

Who We Are

Welcome to The Reproductive Realities Project - We are on a mission to enhance the sex education curriculum in Australian secondary schools. We are an early-stage campaign that is committed to advocating for realistic, inclusive, and empowering reproductive education for all young people. We believe that everyone deserves access to foundational, age-appropriate education regarding reproductive health, fertility, pregnancy loss, grief, and that education plays a crucial role in shaping a society that respects, understands, and values the diverse reproductive journeys that individuals and couples face every day.

Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, we aim to bridge the gaps in reproductive education, break down taboos, challenge stereotypes, and encourage open conversations about these important reproductive health topics. Our mission is to have them integrated into the secondary school curriculum, with the hope that the next generation doesn't have to walk their reproductive journey alone.

Together, we can drive change, break down barriers, and ensure that reproductive education becomes apart of every student's learning experience.

Explore our website and get involved today!

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Angelica James Photography

The RR Project aims to advocate for inclusive age-appropriate sex education in Australian secondary schools, incorporating important topics like baby loss and fertility challenges, empowering young individuals with knowledge and empathy to navigate their reproductive journeys.

Community Survey: Have Your Say

Teacher/Educator Survey

Would you like to offer your help?

Our Mission

The mission is to initiate open conversations in high schools to equip teens with the knowledge, options, tools and resources they may need to navigate reproduction more prepared and better equipped than previous generations. We're committed to supporting the baby loss community and fertility warriors and advocating for better sex education in Australian Secondary Schools. We focus on open, age-appropriate discussions covering topics like baby loss, fertility challenges, and reproductive realities.

By giving students a foundational understanding of these realities, our goal is to empower them with insights into what to expect, options for self-advocacy, and qualities like compassion, empathy, and resilience.

Our Vision

We envision a future where the next generation is empowered with knowledge to confidently navigate reproductive realities, whether they are starting or expanding their own families or providing support to loved ones on their journey.

In this future, young people are not as blindsided by the complexities of reproductive realities because they have been educated on what to expect. We aspire to contribute towards a generation that navigates challenges without feeling shame or isolation, knowing that support is not just available but easily accessible.

Our vision is to foster a culture where open conversations and education dismantle the stigma surrounding reproductive health, ensuring that every individual is well-equipped and supported on their own unique journey, however that may look.

Why is this important?

By equipping young people with accurate and age-appropriate education, we can help them navigate these challenges with empathy and understanding, reducing stigma and ensuring that no one feels alone in their experiences.

Reproductive health education plays a crucial role in empowering young people to make informed decisions, develop healthy relationships, and navigate the complexities of reproductive experiences. However, current sex education curricula in Australian secondary schools often overlook important topics such as baby loss, fertility challenges, and the emotional impact of isolation during these experiences. This lack of comprehensive education leaves young people ill-prepared to understand and cope with these challenges, perpetuating stigma, shame, and misinformation.

In Australia, approximately 6 babies are stillborn every day, making stillbirth a significant public health issue. (Source: Stillbirth Foundation Australia)
It is estimated that around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage.(Source: The Royal Women's Hospital)
Exact statistics on TFMR (Termination for Medical Reasons) in Australia are not readily available, but it is an emotionally challenging experience faced by some families due to severe fetal abnormalities or health risks to the mother.
Around 1 in 6 Australian couples face difficulties conceiving naturally and may require medical assistance or fertility treatments to achieve pregnancy. (Source: The Fertility Society of Australia)
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) usage in Australia has been increasing over the years, with approximately 5% of Australian births resulting from assisted reproductive techniques like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). (Source: The Fertility Society of Australia)

Our Approach

Preparation & Research Stage

Launch & Promote Surveys
Gather data, research & personal stories
Form Partnerships
Onboard Volunteers
Address Concerns
Raise Awareness

current focus

This initial stage is all about laying the groundwork for the campaign.

Operations Stage

Engage with Decision-Makers
Launch Petition
Advocate for an Inquiry
Public & Media Engagement

The operations stage is when we put our strategic plan into action and where the majority of the campaign's activities and interactions with the public and stakeholders will take place.

2024 - 2026 focus

Evaluation & Reflection Stage

Measure the outcomes
Analyze the response from decision-makers and the public
Reflect on the lessons learned

This evaluation process will help inform future advocacy strategies and provide insights into the campaign's overall impact.

2026+ focus

Here's why our approach can make a real-positive impact:

Provides real-life understanding

By incorporating these topics, it can help students grasp the reality that building a family is not always straightforward and may involve emotional difficulties and setbacks. This understanding can promote empathy towards individuals and couples facing such challenges.

Fosters emotional intelligence

Learning about baby loss and fertility challenges can contribute to the emotional intelligence of students. They can gain insights into managing grief, dealing with disappointment, and showing compassion towards others.

Promotes mental health

Providing accurate and sensitive information about reproductive experiences can contribute to better mental health outcomes for young people and their future experiences.

Empathy & Compassion

We strive to empower the next generation to approach reproductive challenges with kindness, respect, and a genuine desire to help others.

Nurtures a caring society that can provide support

Education on baby loss, fertility challenges, and related emotions can offer support to young people who might be dealing with these issues or who know someone who is.

Generational Change

By incorporating these topics, we hope it changes the way society views, discusses, and supports reproductive experiences. We believe that our efforts will contribute to a more informed, empathetic, and compassionate society for years to come.

Empowers decision making

Comprehensive education equips young individuals with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, relationships, and future.

Cultural Shift

We hope to contribute to a broader cultural shift that recognizes the importance of comprehensive and empathetic sex education. By fostering understanding and inclusivity, we can create a society that supports individuals through their reproductive journeys.

Emphasizes inclusivity & diversity

By incorporating these topics, the curriculum becomes more inclusive and acknowledges the diverse family structures and reproductive experiences that exist in society. This sends a powerful message of acceptance and respect for all individuals and families.

Increases future preparedness

Providing students with a deeper understanding of family planning and reproductive challenges prepares them for potential struggles they or their loved ones may face in the future. It equips them with knowledge to make informed decisions and offer support.

Equips students to navigate relationships in a healthier way

Comprehensive education can assist young individuals in understanding the complexities of reproductive experiences and building supportive relationships with their future partners.

Reduces shame & stigma surrounding reproductive health

Open discussions in schools can help break down the shame and stigmas surrounding baby loss, fertility challenges, and related experiences, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

'Have Your Say' Online Library

We are asking these important questions..

Question 1: How do you think including these topics in the curriculum would benefit future generations in their reproductive health journey?
Question 2 & 3: What do you wish you had learned in sex education. How would it have made a difference in your life
Question 4: What do you remember learning in high school sex education classes, if anything?

Particpate in the Survey

Responses will remain anonymous. Click on the image to enlarge it. If you are feeling triggered please contact the SANDS 24/7 bereavement phone support line on1300 308 307

Trigger warning: Pregnancy loss, baby loss, infant loss, grief, fertility challenges. This is a TFMR safe space.