Australian Action on Preeclampsia (AAPEC) was founded in Melbourne in 1993 as little access to information about preeclampsia and support was available locally at that time. AAPEC aims to increase public awareness of the prevalence and risks of preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome; to promote research into the causes of disease, appropriate screening methods and treatments; and to provide information and support to families who have experienced preeclampsia. Many women have little or no knowledge of preeclampsia, and are often unaware of the seriousness of their condition after diagnosis. Women who have experienced preeclampsia often experience substantial anxiety regarding future pregnancies, and want more information about what happened to them and the likelihood of recurrence when considering whether to conceive again.
AAPEC achieves these aims through various activities, including an annual walk, public lectures, hospital in service sessions, social media and a website (aapec.org.au).