past media summaries

August 1-15, 2009

PUSH JOURNAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST 1-15, 2009

TOP STORIES

U.S. Health Care Reform Debate Continues: Multiple media outlets reported and published op-eds and blogs August 1 -14 on the place of abortion and reproductive health services in the ongoing health care reform debate. Following allegations that health care reform would lead to public funding of abortions, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a compromise amendment proposed by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA). As the compromise measure continued to draw attacks from abortion rights opponents, NPR reported: “According to the Capps amendment, there would be options available for people who wanted to have abortion coverage, as well as for those who do not. In fact, it's required that every region offer one of each type plan.” Read: The Wall Street Journal, Des Moines Register, NPR, Herald-Sun, Associated Press, RHRealityCheck.org, U.S. News, Huffington Post, and Washington Post  

Clinton Visit, NGO Initiative Spotlight Sexual Violence in Congo: Multiple media outlets reported and published op-eds August 4-13 on sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited the country. Secretary Clinton pledged $17 million to fight sexual violence, which is more prevalent in the DRC than any other country. The Los Angeles Times argued, “Rape is one of the oldest weapons of war, but until recently it was treated much like looting, as regrettable collateral damage rather than as a war crime.” The editorial urged Clinton to take a leading role in advancing international recognition of the serious nature of sexual violence. Read: Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, NPR, CNN and Christian Science Monitor

Study Finds Birthrate on the Rise in Wealthy Nations: The Washington Post reported August 10 and the AFPreported August 5 on a recent finding that after decades of decline, many of the world’s wealthiest countries have seen an increase in birth rates. "This is very significant," said Shripad Tuljapurkar, a biology and population studies professor at Stanford University, who wrote a commentary accompanying the new research in the scientific journal Nature. "This debate has been going on for some time about these amazingly low fertility rates in some of these countries. It's been a classic policy quandary that people tend to sit around and shake their heads and worry about." Read: Washington Post, AFP

OTHER NOTEWORTHY ARTICLES AND OPINIONS BY SUBJECT

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

UNFPA Seeks Partnerships with Faith-Based Groups: IPS reported August 13 and UN News Centre reported August 4 on a recent summit hosted by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, on building partnerships with faith-based organizations. "Partnerships between faith-based organizations and UNFPA are critical to enhancing efforts to reduce maternal deaths and end violence against women," the agency stated. UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said an approach focusing on “culturally sensitive development” is essential to enhance collaboration between the UN and religious groups to promote human rights. Read: IPSand UN News Centre

Columnist Spotlights Maternal Health in Philippines: The Philippine Inquirer published a column August 14 by Rina Jimenez-David linking the story of a woman who died from complications of childbirth with issues discussed at an international summit on maternal health as a human right. Read: The Philippine Inquirer

Afghan Midwives Tackle Taboos to Fight Maternal Mortality: IRIN reported August 11 on the role of midwives in filling crucial gaps in Afghanistan’s health system. The number of midwifery schools in Afghanistan has increased from six in 2002 to 31 today. “We have earned the people’s trust in our work,” said Saleha Hamnavazada, coordinator of Bamyan Midwifery School. “We have created a reliable learning environment for women and have assured their men that women are totally safe and protected here.” Read: IRIN

Op-Ed Urges New Approach to India’s Rapid Population Growth: The Hindu published an op-ed August 9 by S.C. Gulati of the Population Research Centre, Institute of Economic Growth, University of Delhi, calling for “a national debate and political consensus and commitment to invigorate family planning efforts,” in response to rapid population growth in many parts of the country. Read: The Hindu

Report Finds Zimbabwe Maternal Deaths Avoidable: The Standard reported August 9 on a study by the World Health Organization, UNICEF and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, finding that 73 percent of maternal deaths in the country could have been prevented by addressing issues like improved access to skilled care for pregnant women. Read: The Standard

Op-Ed on Resistance to the Ryan-DeLauro Bill: The National Journal published an op-ed August 8 by Greg Sangillo analyzing responses to the pending bill cosponsored by Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Tim Ryan that would seek to lower the U.S. abortion rate by improving women’s access to family planning services, increasing support for adoption and improving sexuality education. As the author documented a growing consensus among moderates and liberals behind the bill, he noted that conservative abortion rights opponents remain vehemently opposed.

To Meet Shortfall in Family Planning, Africa Turns to Private Sector: IPS reported August 6 that in response to shortfalls in contraceptives supplied by donor agencies, African reproductive health experts are urging increased engagement of private sector suppliers. "Donor programs on contraceptives may not be sustainable when they shift focus to other emerging public sector needs, or delay to replenish contraceptive supply leading to stock-outs," said George Gahungu, director of the national reproductive health program administered by Burundi’s health ministry. Read: IPS

Climate Change and Population Growth: The Lancet published an op-ed by Jose Guzman of UNFPA August 8, in response to an earlier article on the links between rapid population growth and climate change, noting UNFPA’s involvement in a number of issues at the intersection of population and environmental concerns These include women’s empowerment, population data-collection and governmental responses to urban growth. Read: The Lancet

Poll Finds U.S. Nearly Equally Divided on Abortion: UPI reported August 6 on a recent poll by USA Today and Gallup finding that 47 percent of Americans consider themselves “pro-choice” and 46 percent identify as “pro-life.” Read: UPI

In Difficult Economic Climate, Couples Careful on Family Planning: The Boston Herald reported August 1 that medical experts have reported increases in demand for a variety of family planning methods. Read: Boston Herald

Women’s Equality

“Trivialization” Among Obstacles to Clinton’s Efforts on Women’s Rights: The New York Times published a column August 12 by Judith Warner on the obstacles that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faces as she works to make women’s equality central to U.S. foreign policy. Warner argued that “the tide of trivialization that washes over all things ‘Hillary’ is just so powerful” that it threatens to overshadow her work as Secretary of State and, in particular, her goal of making women’s issues a central part of U.S. foreign policy. Read: The New York Times

Afghan Women Candidates Face Threats: NPR reported August 5 that in Afghanistan’s upcoming national elections, women make up a substantial number of candidates, despite threats of violence. "Conditions for women taking part in the elections haven't gotten better since last time; they've gotten worse," said Zahede Nuristani, a midwife trainer from Nuristan province who is running for a position on a provincial council. Read: NPR

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The above summary is produced by the Communications Consortium Media Center, 401 Ninth Street NW, Suite 450, Washington DC 20004, 202.326.8700. Redistribution is encouraged with credit to CCMC.

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