[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


INTRODUCTION OF THE OBSTETRIC FISTULA PREVENTION, TREATMENT, HOPE, AND 
                    DIGNITY RESTORATION ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 2010

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing bipartisan 
legislation along with Representative Mike Castle and Representative 
Lois Capps to save and reclaim the lives of mothers and their babies. 
The Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope and Dignity 
Restoration Act of 2010 authorizes funding to reduce obstetric fistula, 
a terrible condition which can be prevented and repaired. More than two 
million women worldwide have obstetric fistula resulting from prolonged 
labor without medical attention. The pressure created internally on a 
woman from this obstructed delivery kills tissue and causes a hole to 
develop between the woman's vagina and rectum, leaving the woman 
without control of her bladder and/or bowels for the rest of her life 
if left without treatment. It often results in the death of the infant. 
Many women with obstetric fistula are abandoned by their husbands and 
families because they are considered ``unclean''. Left without support, 
the women are often forced to beg or turn to prostitution to survive.
  The World Health Organization estimates that 50,000-100,000 new cases 
of obstetric fistula develop each year, adding to the estimated 2 
million current cases, with most cases occurring in poor communities in 
sub-Saharan Africa and Asia where access to maternal and obstetric care 
is limited.
  Fortunately, there is hope. This condition is almost entirely 
preventable. Prevention efforts include medical interventions such as 
skilled attendance present during labor and childbirth, providing 
access to family planning, and emergency obstetric care for women who 
develop childbirth complications as well as social interventions such 
as delaying early marriage and educating and empowering young women.
  This condition also is treatable in up to 90 percent of cases, 
costing an average of $300 for repair. The treatment requires a 
specially trained surgeon and support staff, and access to an operating 
theater and to attentive postoperative care.
  This bill supports a comprehensive approach to end obstetric 
fistula--prevention to eliminate occurrences, treatment to repair those 
women who already suffer, and rehabilitation to help those recovering 
fully heal and reenter society. It focuses on efforts to build local 
capacity and improve national systems to prevent and treat obstetric 
fistula.
  Women are fundamental to ensuring the health of their children and 
other family members.
  Obstetric fistula is devastating; but doesn't have to be life-
shattering. With our bill, we can provide hope and a healthy future. I 
urge my colleagues to support the Obstetric Fistula Prevention, 
Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2010.

                          ____________________