One in seven women could die during childbirth in the West African countries most impacted by the Ebola crisis.
Over 50 Women Hospitalized and 12 Dead in India After Botched Mass Sterilization at Government-Run Camp
Although four health officials, including one man who received an award last year for having performed 50,000 sterilization procedures, have been suspended, the Indian government denies claims of negligence.
UPS Switches Pregnant Worker Policy Ahead of Supreme Court Case
The United Parcel Service is changing its policy on light duty assignments for pregnant workers, even though the company will stand by its refusal to extend accommodations to a former employee in an upcoming Supreme Court case.
Indiana Woman Charged With Feticide For Premature Delivery
Purvi Patel sought help at an emergency room. After investigation, police charged Patel with feticide, punishable with up to 20 years in prison, as well as neglect of a dependent.
More Investment in Women’s Health Needed as Africa’s Population Rises
Africa’s population could reach four billion by 2100. As the population grows, more investment in maternal health and family planning resources will be needed to ensure women’s health.
Reproductive Justice Activists Testify Before UN About Health Care Discrimination
A joint study by three major women’s health advocacy groups calls attention to the overwhelming disparity in health outcomes for women of color in the United States. The results of the study are now under the consideration of the United Nations.
In Liberia, The Ebola Outbreak is Also a Maternal Health Issue
Although the death toll from the virus itself is astounding, many people – including pregnant mothers – are also dying as hospitals and clinics shut their doors.
Close to Two-Thirds of Cameroonian Women Have Unmet Need for Contraception
Around 6,000 Cameroonian women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and 30 percent of those women did not want to become pregnant in the first place.
US-Africa Leaders Summit Closes With Funding Commitments and Focus on Women
After three days of unprecedented meetings between the US and leaders from nearly 50 African countries, the US Africa Leaders Summit ended Wednesday. In addition to public and private commitments of up to $33 billion for trade and investment, the United States called on leaders of the African continent to make a considerable investment in advancing the status of […]
Detroit Maternal Death Rate Is Triple the US Average
Women in Detroit are dying from pregnancy-related complications at about three times the US average, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health. Twenty-six women died in Detroit over the period 2008-2011 as a result of pregnancy or childbirth, and Detroit has the highest rate of infant mortality among major US cities, with 13.5 infant deaths for every […]
Nigeria Secures $15 Million Grant from Norway to Reduce Maternal Mortality
Norway has provided a $15 million grant to the Nigerian government to help the country reduce maternal and child mortality.
Study Shows High Rates of Child Marriage and Maternal Death Across Nigeria
Nigeria accounts for 13 percent of global maternal death rates, with 36,000 women dying in pregnancy or child birth each year, and child marriage rates across Nigeria often outpace those in other nations around the world.
Tennessee Mom Arrested Under New Pregnancy Outcome Law
The new mother was arrested and charged with simple assault just two days after giving birth.
Delaware Law Would Protect Pregnant Employees From Discrimination
The Delaware House of Representatives last week followed the Delaware Senate in passing a bill to protect pregnant workers from discrimination. It now goes to Governor Jack Markell.
Supreme Court Will Hear Pregnancy Discrimination Case
The US Supreme Court will decide next term whether the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) requires an employer to provide workplace accommodations to pregnant employees if that employer also provides comparable accommodations to non-pregnant employees who become temporarily unable to perform their jobs without the accommodation.
Iraqi Women Face Reproductive Health Care Shortage During Crisis
The United Nations warned this week that due to the escalating crisis in the northern and western parts of the country, about 250,000 Iraqi women and girls – including almost 60,000 pregnant women – need urgent health care as soon as possible. Recent violence in Iraq has displaced approximately one million people, overwhelming health facilities in parts […]
Stop The Madness: On Treating Women Prisoners With Dignity
Women in prison are still people – and they shouldn’t have to endure shackling during childbirth and forced sterilization just because they committed a crime.
Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill to Keeping Pregnant Women on Life Support Against Wishes
HB 1274 requires physicians to to keep brain-dead women who are at least 20 weeks pregnant on mechanical support if there is a chance the fetus is viable.
Canada Pledges $3.5 Billion for Maternal Health Programs Worldwide
“There is no better investment in the world’s future prosperity than women’s and children’s health.”
Reports Reveal Decrease in Maternal Mortality and Need for Faster Progress
Two new reports by United Nations agencies revealed that although there has been significant progress in reducing maternal mortality worldwide over the last decade, much more can be done to protect women’s lives.
