Act Now to Support Bill on Fistula Prevention & Treatment

Urge your Representatives in Congress to cosponsor critical legislation on obstetric fistula that will bring hope and dignity to mothers across the globe.

Introduced in March by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), H.R. 949 supports increased assistance for fistula prevention and treatment initiatives abroad. These efforts include improving maternal health care, strengthening national health systems, increasing the number of skilled birth attendants, as well as addressing underlying the social and economic causes of fistula.

Send a sample letter to your Representative by entering your zip code here.

Action Alert: Urge Congress to End Fistula

Today, EngenderHealth joined a broad coalition of organizations in applauding Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) for introducing important legislation that will help transform the lives of millions of women worldwide. The Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope and Dignity Restoration Act of 2010, H.R. 5441, would authorize funding to prevent obstetric fistula and treat women suffering from this debilitating condition. Read the joint press release here.

“We are thrilled to see that the bill recognizes the importance of partnering with national governments and institutions and strengthening local capacity as the way forward,” said Ana Langer, M.D., President of EngenderHealth. “We know this is the most sustainable approach to preventing and treating obstetric fistula. This captures the spirit and intent of the Obama Administration’s Global Health Initiative.”

H.R. 5441 was introduced just days before the start of Women Deliver, the largest-ever conference on maternal and reproductive health, convened in Washington, DC, from June 7–9, 2010. Download the full legislation here (PDF, 41KB).

Take a moment now to write to your representatives today and ask them to co-sponsor the bill.

Learn more about Fistula Care, which is bringing vital fistula prevention and treatment services to women in 11 countries, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Support Women's Health with the Global MOMS Act!

Having a baby should be among a woman's most joyous moments in life. Unfortunately, for many women around the world, childbirth can be dangerous and even deadly -- for both mother and child.

The Global MOMS Act will expand access to maternal health services and greatly reduce maternal mortality.

In 2000, the U.S., along with 191 countries, pledged to meet the Millennium Development Goals, including targeting a 75 percent decrease in maternal mortality, by 2015. The Global MOMS Act will help fulfill the pledge, as well as help countless mothers worldwide get quality health care services. For some moms, this act will be the difference between life and death.

No woman should have to put her life or health at risk during pregnancy or childbirth, and all newborns should have a healthy start in life. Tell your members of Congress to support the Global MOMS Act and fight for women's health around the world. Click here!

ACTION ALERT: Urge Congress to Support Global Health!

We need your help now. There is growing momentum in Washington around three very important new bills concerning global health. Take a moment now to write to Congress and urge your representatives to support these bills:

• The Global Democracy Promotion Act (H.R. 4879/S.311) would create a permanent legal barrier to attempts by any future administration to reinstate the Global Gag Rule. While President Barack Obama overturned the Gag Rule during his first week in office, this measure is needed to ensure that U.S.-funded organizations will be able to continue delivering lifesaving information and services to women and families around the globe.
  
  
• The Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2010 (H.R. 5121) supports voluntary family planning services, education and outreach, the reduction of unsafe abortions, prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, the training of health care professionals, and various other initiatives.
  
  
• The Global HEALTH Act (H.R. 4933) would improve the effectiveness of U.S. global health programs by strengthening health systems in developing countries and supporting the training of local health workers.

This is important. Write to Congress now!

Congress Moves to Boost Funding for Global Health Priorities

Recent actions in Congress show growing momentum and support for maternal and child health and family planning, with historic funding increases proposed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Equally significant, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amendment offered by Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) to legislatively eliminate the Global Gag Rule.

Both the House and Senate called for increased funding for global health in the foreign aid budget for fiscal year (FY) 2010. The House already passed a bill allocating $528 million for maternal and child programs and $648.5 million for family planning, an increase of $100 million for family planning over enacted levels in FY2009.

On the Senate side, a spending bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee now awaits a vote by the full Senate. It calls for $628.5 million for family planning and reproductive health programs—$83.5 million above the FY2009 level and $35 million above President Obama’s request. In addition, a total of $555 million for child survival and maternal health was allocated—$31.5 million above President Obama’s request and $60 million above the FY2009 level.

Senator Lautenberg’s amendment to the spending bill would stop the 25-year-long back-and-forth over the Global Gag Rule, with successive presidents instituting and then repealing the policy. Lautenberg proposed an amendment that would prevent a future president from reinstating the policy by executive order.

“It is time to end the dangerous and harmful Global Gag Rule permanently. Health care providers across the globe should be able to care for the health of women and families, without ideological obstacles blocking the way. This amendment will strengthen America’s position as an international leader for women’s rights,” said Lautenberg.

Both houses of Congress are on August recess, but when returning in September, the Senate will be taking up appropriations for foreign aid. Write your senators today and ask them to vote yes and show their support for these global health priorities.

Following the Senate vote, both the bills will go to conference, and the allocations will be finalized. EngenderHealth will keep you informed of new developments.

What is 3FOR1? Watch our new video, and join us.

Today, EngenderHealth is launching the 3FOR1 campaign urging President Obama and
Congress to commit $1 billion to international family planning programs
in 2010. We're asking you to join us.

Family planning is a basic right. Yet, there are an estimated 201
million women worldwide who want to use it, but can't--they do not have
access. Changing this reality through increased U.S. investment can
bring significant short- and long-term returns: When women and couples
are able to plan their families, they have the chance to have healthier
and better-educated children and more productive lives, which can lead
to more stable and economically strong communities and countries.

President Obama has stated that he wants to change the way the United
States is viewed around the world. One way to demonstrate this is to
commit to improving women's health and welfare through a stepped-up
investment in family planning.

Right now, the U.S. budget for international family planning is not much
higher than it was in 1974, when adjusted for inflation. To keep up with
the large and growing need for family planning, we call on the
President to increase the U.S. contribution to this global effort to
$1 billion. This represents less than one twentieth of 1% of the
proposed 2010 federal budget--less than a penny per day for every American.

Help us ensure international family planning and reproductive health are
top priorities for the U.S. government. Watch EngenderHealth's new video
and write a letter to President Obama calling for $1 billion to be
dedicated to international family planning.