House passes maternal health resolution
The House recently passed a resolution that steps up the U.S. commitment to addressing maternal mortality at home and around the globe. Over a half a million women - that's one every minute - die each year in pregnancy or childbirth and most of these deaths are preventable. Illinois' own Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) helped generate support for this resolution at a press conference and rally on May 21st.
Rep. Schakowsky, along with fellow Congresswomen of the Democratic Women's Working Group, were joined by Geri Halliwell (that's right, Ginger Spice!), supermodel Christy Turlington, and survivors of obstetric fistula. Obstetric Fistula is a devastating injury that can happen during childbirth. It is a highly preventable and treatable condition. However, the United Nation's Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates there are 100,000 new cases of fistula each year and only 6,500 of these actually receive treatment.
The Bush administration has withheld nearly $200 million in funding for the United Nations Population Fund over the last six years. The resolution passed this month by the House recognizes that maternal health and child survival is fundamental to the well-being of families and societies and calls for greater international investment and participation in addressing these critical issues.
Technorati tags: Jan Schakowsky, Geri Halliwell, Christie Turlington, obstetric fistula, maternal mortality, Planned Parenthood Illinois
Rep. Schakowsky, along with fellow Congresswomen of the Democratic Women's Working Group, were joined by Geri Halliwell (that's right, Ginger Spice!), supermodel Christy Turlington, and survivors of obstetric fistula. Obstetric Fistula is a devastating injury that can happen during childbirth. It is a highly preventable and treatable condition. However, the United Nation's Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates there are 100,000 new cases of fistula each year and only 6,500 of these actually receive treatment.
The Bush administration has withheld nearly $200 million in funding for the United Nations Population Fund over the last six years. The resolution passed this month by the House recognizes that maternal health and child survival is fundamental to the well-being of families and societies and calls for greater international investment and participation in addressing these critical issues.
Technorati tags: Jan Schakowsky, Geri Halliwell, Christie Turlington, obstetric fistula, maternal mortality, Planned Parenthood Illinois
Labels: Christie Turlington, Geri Halliwell, Jan Schakowsky, Maternal Mortality, Obstetric Fistula, Planned Parenthood Illinois
posted by Anonymous at
3:15 PM
1 Comments:
Maternal and child Health is of utmost importance.
Its startling to know that more than half a million women die in pregnancy and childbirth
every year - that's one death every minute. I also came across a community on orkut which
represents the UN campaign against poverty of which child and maternal health is one of
the 7 major goals.
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