maternal morbidity

Obstetric fistula is a source of shame, stigma, and despair for millions of women. But US politics will inevitably play a role in whether it can be effectively addressed.

Last week, more than 200 providers, policymakers, advocates and NGO workers put abortion on the table, and reaffirmed the promises African leaders and governments have made to African women.

Four days ago a young woman died giving birth in a bustling marketplace in New Delhi, just steps away from Parliament, and at the beginning of an international conference on maternal health. This is not acceptable.

There are many ways to save women’s lives, but the success of any given intervention depends on local context. What works in one locale may not work in another.

Conventional wisdom won't help reduce death and illness related to complications of pregnancy, childbirth or unsafe abortion. But a multi-facted approach to reducing maternal death and illness can.

The Canadian government is excluding family planning from its initiative to save the lives and improve the health of mothers in poor countries. One small problem: You can't address maternal mortality without family planning.

Follow Jodi Jacobson on Twitter, @jljacobson