Happy Mother's Day from Planned Parenthood of Illinois

At Planned Parenthood, we celebrate Mother's Day as a special and happy occasion for all women.  Mother's Day commemorates the importance of a mother's role in a family unit and in society as a whole.  Mothers are caregivers, philanthropists, workers, activists, and community builders.  We believe that it's important to recognize the mothers and grandmothers in our own lives, but also the many women and girls in nations around the world who are fighting for equality and access to essential health care services.

The Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) works tirelessly to ensure that women all over the world have the same rights and privileges that Planned Parenthood fights for here in the U.S., especially when it comes to reproductive health. Why is this so important? Look at the facts: Worldwide, HIV is the number one killer of women of reproductive age. 50% of women do not receive proper antenatal, delivery, or newborn care. The women of the world are five times more likely to contract an STD than men. Every year 16 million babies are born to adolescent mothers. These numbers are frightening and real. We must improve the lives of women and girls around the globe, thereby creating healthier families and communities.

How can you help? Get informed and get moving! CHANGE is currently supporting a piece of legislation called the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act (H.R. 1319). The bill represents an attempt to create a truly comprehensive and integrated approach to reproductive health programs that reflect the real needs of women and girls. The bill includes funding for family planning services, sexual health eduction, STD prevention and more. Here you can find your Representative and urge them to co-sponsor this important bill.

So this Mother's day, in addition to giving your mom a card and some flowers, stand up and take action in her honor to preserve and promote the reproductive health of women all over the world. Only when we work together will we ever see all women gain access to the reproductive health services they so fervently desire and so rightfully deserve.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, CHANGE, Women's Reproductive Health Women's Rights