DeLauro Reintroduces Bill to Help End Obstetric Fistula, Empower Women

WASHINGTON, DC – For the second consecutive Congress, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) has introduced legislation to help end the preventable medical condition of obstetric fistula. Women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected with this result of prolonged, obstructed childbirth. More than two million victims live with the devastating physical and social consequences, with 50,000-100,000 new cases annually.

“This legislation has the potential to transform the empowerment of women in the region by eradicating fistula and, as a result, improving the social, educational, and economic conditions of fistula victims and their communities. Addressing this issue is not only a moral imperative for the United States, but it is also in our best strategic interest. When women are pushed out of their society, they cannot contribute. By treating and preventing this condition we are empowering women to care for themselves and their families, and be active participants in society, which greatly reducing global poverty. This is something that we must do.”

The United States Leadership to Eradicate Obstetric Fistula Act authorizes the development of a comprehensive strategy to both prevent fistula and successfully treat women already suffering from the condition. It encourages the expansion of private and public-private efforts and promotes trained specialists going to Africa to help train health care providers, ensuring a self-sustaining infrastructure to care for women and girls going forward.

The legislation is supported by a number of groups, including the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC). “This is a human tragedy that is medically addressable, and is preventable for the future. What is needed now is moral vision, political will and bipartisan support to implement exactly the kind of program that is called for in this legislation. I urge the Congress to pass this as soon as possible,” said Rabbi David Saperstein, RAC Director.

Last month, DeLauro introduced a resolution in recognition of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. Details on that legislation can be found here.


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