Across the world a mother dies every minute in childbirth or pregnancy this cannot be allowed to continue. Her children may face an earlier death once they have lost their mother and the family can be torn apart as the father tries to both provide for his children and care for them, according to the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development (PGPD).
Mothers are dying because they do not have access to family planning; this is not about providing abortions in countries where it is illegal but providing full access to family planning and education about unsafe abortion and where abortion is legal, to safe abortion. Currently no Australian Government aid funds can be spent on providing information on unsafe or safe abortion (even where abortion is legal) and this deters humanitarian and aid organisations from providing comprehensive family planning services. Australia is the only country other than the US to limit overseas aid funds in this way and if there is a Democrat victory in the US and the so called US Global Gag is removed, Australia will be the only country to do so. The current guidelines are in conflict with Australia's commitment to the World Health Organisation protocols and the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action.
This isn't something we should keep quiet about. As we live and work in a culture that at least debates the issue of abortion - many people are losing out on a basic right to have control over thier own bodies; and in a way that can literally mean life or death; or poverty or opression. You might think that this statistic has nothing to do with you BUT every debate, every step forward here in Australia for compltete relationships and sexuality education - including abortion options is a step forward for EVERYONE no matter where they live.
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To read more of this media release from the Parlimatrian Group on Population and Development go here
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Tis IS crazy - but does not surprise me. Working in some of the remote communites I have worked in the statistics are easily as bad as this. We really need to get our own house in order
ReplyDeleteFAR OUT Lud, it's really quite embassassing sometimes - being Australian. It' frustrating that we have these seemingly double standards with issues - this one being a classic example. Perhaps if US get their act together, this will pressure OZ - maybe a bit like Kyoto signing for America - lets hope! Lets get global here! We're happy to do it in business.....
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris:
ReplyDeleteI wonder what makes it so hard to DO something. It would be nice if things changed in services like they do in business. Keep rockn.
Thanks Chris:
ReplyDeleteI wonder what makes it so hard to DO something. It would be nice if things changed in services like they do in business. Keep rockn.