The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

Floor Speech

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Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
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.

Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, recently said, ``Let us decide, as a global community, that the world we want is one where fistula no longer exists. Let us, once and for all, put an end to this assault on women's and girls' health and human rights, which steals from them their very dignity and destroys the most fundamental of human qualities: hope. Much of the world has already virtually eliminated fistula. It is time to finish the job. Let us all work together to wipe fistula off the map.''

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 the day of recognition to help raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula.

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