DeLauro Statement on the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
2015 Theme Is “End Fistula, Restore Women’s Dignity”
NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, which is tomorrow, May 23. Obstetric fistula is a preventable medical condition that results from prolonged, obstructed childbirth.
“Obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition, has left hundreds of thousands of women suffering in solitude and shame. It is perhaps one of the most telling examples of inequitable access to maternal health care and, until recently, one of the most hidden. 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 society, they cannot contribute. By treating and preventing this condition, we empower women to care for themselves and their families, and be active participants in society, reducing global poverty. The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is an important opportunity to raise awareness of a condition that is not well-understood, even in societies where it is prevalent. I urge everyone to use tomorrow’s day of recognition to help raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula.”
DeLauro is the author of the United States Leadership to Eradicate Obstetric Fistula Act, which would authorize the development of a comprehensive strategy to both prevent fistula and successfully treat women already suffering from the condition. It would encourage 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.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated two million women live with obstetric fistula in the developing world. Between 50,000 and 100,000 new cases develop annually, and women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected.
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