For Immediate Release:	May 11, 2010
For More Information:	Angeline Martyn, Americans for UNFPA, 617-308-7142 (cell) or 646-649-9127
Sponsor Organization:	Americans for UNFPA
Calls for improvements for global maternal and new-born health outcomes in developing countries
May 11, 2010 - Americans for UNFPA applauds Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) for introducing, Improvements in Global Maternal and newborn health Outcomes while Maximizing Successes Act, or “Global MOMS Act.” This Act focuses on improving coordination between the U.S. government and other existing programs to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. With Mother’s Day at the top of our minds, there is no better time to reflect on the urgent support needed worldwide to ensure that no woman dies giving life. The Global MOMS Act calls for increased access to quality care to promote maternal health. Provisions include support for comprehensive voluntary family planning and access to skilled care during childbirth. The bill aims to eliminate barriers such as financial, socio-cultural, transportation, gender discrimination and stigma and ensure that services are based in individual human rights. “The Global MOMS Act articulates the U.S. commitment to the long-term health of women globally,” says Anika Rahman, President, Americans for UNFPA. “Saving mothers’ lives is essential to improving peace, stability and opportunity.” Every minute, somewhere in the world, a woman dies in pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these deaths could be prevented. UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is among the lead international actors working to prevent maternal death. UNFPA’s Maternal Health Program supports safe motherhood initiatives in 89 countries around the world. The bill calls attention to community involvement, which is a key tenant to UNFPA’s approach. The bill recommends the creation of a task force to monitor U.S. progress toward achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 5, which aims to reduce maternal mortality by 75% by 2015. To learn more or take action in support of this legislation visit: http://www.americansforunfpa.org/takeaction.