past media summaries

July 16-31, 2010

PUSH JOURNAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS July 16-31, 2010

TOP STORIES

African Union Takes On Maternal and Child Health: Multiple media outletsreported and published op-eds July 22-29 on issues related to the African Union Summit, which set a priority of improving maternal and child health. IPS reported on efforts to expand free health care to women and children: “By taking a strong stance backed by concrete pledges of funds, the summit can unleash a wave of progress within countries, across the region and around the world,” wrote UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha Rose-Migiro. Read: The Herald, IPS, New Vision and New Vision

Gel Shows Promise in HIV Prevention: The Washington Post reported July 20 on studies that have found a new microbicide gel cuts women’s risk of HIV transmission from heterosexual sex by 39 percent. Research on the gel, containing the drug tenofavir, was presented at the recent 18th International AIDS Conference in Vienna. Read: Washington Post

OTHER NOTEWORTHY ARTICLES AND OPINIONS BY SUBJECT

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

In Pakistan and India, More Attention to Midwives: Right Vision News (Pakistan)and The Times of India reported July 28 on the need for more skilled health care providers, especially midwives, to combat high maternal mortality in India and Pakistan, as Pakistan considers legislation to promote the status of midwives. Read: Right Vision News and The Times of India

Birth Incentives And Population Dynamics in Iran: The Financial Express (India) published an op-ed July 29 by Sreeram Chaulia, associate professor of World Politics at OP Jindal Global University, on Iran’s recent announcement of financial incentives for each child born. Chaulia argued that population dynamics, including aging and rapid population growth, do not have clear policy solutions but must be addressed using strategies that are more engaged and rights-based. Read: Financial Express

Dealing With FGM/C Cases in UK: The Guardian published an editorial July 25 calling for prosecutions in cases of female genital mutilation/cutting, which studies find on the increase in the UK. The editorial argued that prosecutions “would be consistent with the principle that all are equal before the law, and a demonstration that all are equally entitled to protection from cruelty and abuse, regardless of race or religion.” Read: The Guardian

Expanding Access to Abortion in Argentina: BBC reported July 22 that Argentina’s debate over the legal status of abortion gained steam following  a recent court case delaying an adolescent rape survivor’s abortion and the government’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage. Read: BBC

Gender-Based Violence in the Philippines: BusinessWorld reported July 21 that the Department of Social Welfare and Development recorded a significant increase in reports of gender-based violence in 2009. Women’s rights advocates said it might be due to an increase in women’s comfort with reporting crimes, rather than an increase in cases. Read: Business World

“Feminist Scorecard” For President Obama: The Huffington Post published a blog by Naomi Cahn of George Washington University Law School on July 26 urging President Obama to hold Republican leaders to account for opposing expanded women’s access to family planning services and young people’s access to sexuality education. Read:Huffington Post 

Uganda Yet to Ratify Maputo Protocol: The New Vision reported July 21 that Uganda has not yet ratified the Maputo Protocol, an African Union agreement to promote reproductive health, including free access to family planning. Read: The New Vision

In Swaziland, “Waiting Huts” Loss Raises HIV Risk: IPS reported July 21 on the impact of the closure of public waiting huts, which had provided women with a place to stay when traveling long distances to give birth in public health facilities. As a result, more women were expected to give birth at home and without access to emergency obstetric care or to services to prevent HIV transmission to their infants. Read: IPS

Women’s Health Worries in Afghanistan: McClatchy reported July 20 that with one in eight women dying of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth in Afghanistan, women’s health has gained new attention among U.S. policy-makers. Read: McClatchy

Misinformation On Emergency Contraception: AFP reported July 21 and The Age (Australia) reported July 20 that the lack of comprehensive, accurate information on the uses and functions of the emergency contraceptive known as the morning-after pill were shaping women’s use of the drug. In India, widespread use  has raised concerns over whether women are fully informed of the risks of using it regularly, rather than only after contraceptive failure. In Australia, a study found that many women are reluctant to use emergency contraception because they do not know how it works or that it is available without a prescription. Read: AFP

Fistula Prevention and Treatment in Kenya: IRIN reported July 19 on efforts to address obstetric fistula in Kenya. Women face barriers related to the high cost of transportation and medical supplies even in the rare cases where surgeons are available to provide care for existing cases. Read: IRIN

Abortion Coverage Excluded For U.S. “High Risk” Insurance: Congressional Quarterly reported July 24 and the Associated Press reported July 17 on the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that most abortions will be excluded for women now able to obtain health insurance as part of the new federal mandate to extend coverage to “high risk” groups that were previously excluded. Read: Associated Press

Uzbek Women Accuse State of Forced Sterilizations: The Associated Press reported July 17 that women, doctors and human rights advocates have accused the government of widespread forced sterilization following a recent order by the health ministry to “strengthen control over the medical examination of women of childbearing age." Read: Associated Press

Sterilization Is Rights Concern in India: Global Post reported July 15 on growing concern that the Indian government’s efforts to address rapid population growth, including the use of incentives and private clinics for sterilization services, could violate the right of poor women to make free decisions about family planning. Read: Global Post

Women’s Equality

UNDP Chief Applauds Ghana: UN News Service reported on July 15 that United Nations Development Program Executive Director Helen Clark applauded Ghana’s efforts to promote gender equality, including a 2007 law to address gender-based violence. Read: UN News Service

UN Women Agency to Start at $500 Million: IRIN reported July 16 on the announcement that the new UN Women agency for gender issues will receive $500 million for its first year’s core budget, with the funds increasing each year. By 2015, the budget will be $1 billion. Read: IRIN

past media summaries