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End Life-Threatening Obstetric Fistula!

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Sponsor: The Breast Cancer Site

New mothers are suffering from the devastating childbirth injury called obstetric fistula. Take action!

New mothers are suffering from the devastating childbirth injury called obstetric fistula. Take action!

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of new mothers around the world1.

In many cases, the baby is stillborn and the mother is left with both the emotional trauma of the loss of her child and the serious implications of her fistula injuries2.

Obstetric fistula has far reaching consequences on women's physical well being, social and marital relationships, mental health and economic capacity. Fistula also challenges women coping abilities3.

Obstetric fistula is both treatable and preventable, but we need key legislation to pass in order to make sure women around the world have access to treatment and resources regarding this serious condition4.

The Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act (H.R. 2888) would require the government to allocate funding toward implementing fistula prevention methods, treatment, and assistance in recovery5.

Take a stand for women and sign the petition supporting this legislation that will help women cope with this devastating condition.

More on this issue:

  1. World Health Organization (19 February 2018), "Obstetric fistula."
  2. United Nations (22 May 2015), "Marking International Day, UN urges world to seek end of obstetric fistula 'in our lifetime'."
  3. Luwam Semere, MD and Nawal M Nour, MD, MPH, Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Fall 2008), "Obstetric Fistula: Living With Incontinence and Shame
  4. Suellen Miller, Felicia Lester, Monique Webster, Beth Cowan, The Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health (Jul-Aug 2005), "Obstetric fistula: a preventable tragedy."
  5. Rep. Carolyn B Maloney, 113th Congress (2013-2014), "H.R.2888 - Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2013."
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The Petition:

Dear Representative,

I commend you in taking a strong step toward eradicating a devastating condition called obstetric fistula.

Obstetric fistula is a hole in a pregnant woman's birth canal caused by severe childbirth. The results are urinary or fecal incontinence which can be highly isolating and embarrassing for the mother.

The Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2011 (H.R. 2888) would require the government to allocate funding toward implementing fistula prevention methods, treatment, and assistance in recovery. Since fistula often occurs due to sub-standard or absent medical treatment, government funding is necessary to make sure the women that need care the most are receiving it.

Please continue to fight on behalf of expectant mothers everywhere. Thank you.

Sincerely,

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Signatures: