Obstetric Fistula Continues To Threaten The Lives Of Millions Of Women

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

According to the World Health Organization, between 50 000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula every year.

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 injuries.

“The fact that fistula persists primarily among the poorest and most marginalized women and girls in the world is an egregious outcome of social, economic and gender inequalities, the denial of human rights and inadequate access to quality reproductive health services, including maternal and newborn care,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

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 abilities, scientific studies show.

According to the World Health Organization, Obstetric fistula is preventable; it can largely be avoided by:

• delaying the age of first pregnancy
• the cessation of harmful traditional practices
• timely access to obstetric care

To achieve this, we need key legislation to pass in order to make sure women around the world have access to treatment and resources regarding this serious condition.

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 recovery.

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloneyreintroduced bill in 2020 in hopes of assisting the estimated two million women worldwide suffering from obstetric fistula.

Click below and supporting this legislation that will help women cope with this devastating condition.