Tell Congress: No Woman Should Die During Childbirth

From Amnesty International:


The Improvements in Global Maternal and newborn health Outcomes while Maximizing Successes Act or the "Global MOMS Act" will support activities that help expand access to better quality maternal health services, remove barriers to such services, and ensure that they meet international human rights standards.

Hundreds of thousands of women die each year from pregnancy-related complications. The vast majority of these deaths are unnecessary and preventable, caused by a lack of access to timely, quality health care. These preventable deaths represent violations of essential human rights, including the right to the highest attainable standard of health and the right to freedom from discrimination based on such factors as gender, race, ethnicity, immigration status, Indigenous status or income level.

The Global MOMS Act will make a difference. In some countries, it truly could mean the difference between life and death for a woman. Please urge your Member of Congress to cosponsor this important piece of legislation - and support it when it comes to the floor of the House!


Here is a sample letter you can alter for your own handwritten letter:

Co-sponsor the Global MOMS Act!

Dear Representative,

I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor the Improvements in Global Maternal and newborn health Outcomes while Maximizing Successes Act, or the “Global MOMS Act”. Hundreds of thousands of women die each year from pregnancy-related complications. The vast majority of these deaths are unnecessary and preventable, caused by a lack of access to timely, quality health care. These preventable deaths represent violations of essential human rights, including the right to the highest attainable standard of health and the right to freedom from discrimination based on such factors as gender, race, ethnicity, immigration status, Indigenous status or income level. The Global MOMS Act will support activities that help expand access to better quality maternal health services, remove barriers to such services, and ensure that they meet international human rights standards.

As your constituent, I am asking you to co-sponsor the Global MOMS Act and support it once it comes to the House floor.

Women dying in pregnancy and childbirth is not just a public health emergency, it is also a human rights crisis. Amnesty International has identified obstacles to lifesaving treatment faced by pregnant women around the world. In Peru, poor, rural and indigenous women face language barriers and too few accessible clinics. In Burkina Faso, women die because they cannot reach a health facility capable of treating them or because they arrive too late. In Sierra Leone, pregnant mothers are dying because they are too poor to pay for the treatment they require to save their lives. The United States has an important role to play in supporting developing countries in developing and implementing plans to reduce maternal deaths.

The Global MOMS Act will make a difference. It supports:

-The development of a strategy as part of the Global Health Initiative to reduce mortality and improve maternal and newborn health;

-Improved coordination among U.S. government agencies and existing programs that are currently working to reduce maternal and newborn mortality; and

-Authorization of assistance in proven interventions including family planning, access to skilled care at birth and training professionals in emergency obstetric care.

Two years ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution affirming “commitment to promoting maternal health and child survival both at home and abroad through greater international investment and participation” (H.Res.1022 in the 110th Congress). This new bill is an opportunity to match commitment with action. Please make a difference in the lives of millions of pregnant women and co-sponsor the Global MOMS Act.

[Your name]

Haiti, Global Health and Rep. Jan Schakowsky

From RESULTS in Chicago...
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The Chicago-area RESULTS groups invite you to attend a special event in Evanston on Sunday May 23 from 4-6PM featuring Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky to benefit RESULTS Educational Fund and Partners in Health (PIH). The afternoon will have a focus on Haiti and include inspiring speakers, light refreshments and a fantastic silent auction.

RESULTS is a grassroots advocacy group working to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. PIH provides health care in impoverished nations and is committed to long-term efforts in Haiti. Representative Schakowksy, Ann Clark from PIH, and Cynthia Changyit Levin (RESULTS) will highlight how aid organizations, Congress, and everyday people work together to fight poverty. We'll also hear an update on the post-earthquake situation in Haiti.

Admission and silent auction proceeds will benefit RESULTS Educational Fund and a voluntary financial appeal will be made for PIH after the speaking program.

$25 pre-registration online
$35 at door
Students are welcome for $15 with a valid student ID (online or at the door)

See details below and please visit http://resultschicago.ning.com/events/2010-results-fundraiser to purchase admission on-line.

We hope to see you there!

Political Change with Pen and Paper

A short and highly entertaining watch about why HANDWRITTEN, MONTHLY letters to elected officials actually work.

For those wondering why RESULTS activists still do letter writing at many of their meetings across the country-- this video offers some insights on their power along with funny animal analogies. An elected official tells us why emails and phone calls still are not nearly as effective as the handwritten letter.

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