Women's rights, human rights.

So I wrote about this once before http://purplerahk.blogspot.com/2007/11/zip-code-of-death.html but it seems that things aren't changing nearly enough - parts of Memphis, TN, still have one of the highest infant mortality rates going.

http://blackgirlthinking.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/memphis-tn-highest-infant-mortality-rate-in-the-nation/

Then again, when you consider this
http://womensrights.change.org/blog/view/black_women_three_times_more_likely_to_die_in_childbirth
it shouldn't be that surprising. And no it's not because, as one commentator said, they live in third world undeveloped countries - we're talking women in America. There shouldn't be such a disparity based on where you live or what colour your skin is. In this day and age we should be doing anything and everything we can to reduce the rate of infant mortality or death in childbirth in every country - especially those in the so called civilized western world.

So currently worldwide maternal and child health is under discussion at the G8 talks in Halifax.
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/canada/article/512765--maternal-child-health-in-poor-countries-leads-g8-talks-in-halifax
Whatever the answer is, something definitely needs to be done to secure the health of mothers and infants worldwide.
http://www.vancouversun.com/gives+thumbs+Harper+maternal+health+project/2962545/story.html
You know what though? Talking and agreeing is wonderful - what would be even better - stop talking and start doing. Seriously, we all know there's a problem, and now you all agreed you need to do something about it - so enough with reports and talking, let's start doing. Any improvement would be a good thing.

One statistic that stuck in my mind is that pregnancy and birth related problems are the leading cause of death among girls 15-19 - worldwide. Not least because so many girls across the world are forced, coerced, persuaded or drawn into marriage, and therefore inevitably childbearing, at very young ages for a variety of reasons.

Which leads to this
http://www.care2.com/causes/womens-rights/blog/preteen-girl-wins-divorce-from-80-year-old-husband/
and she's one of the lucky ones. She found a way out. Many others aren't nearly so lucky.

http://womensrights.change.org/blog/view/top_ten_ways_to_make_a_difference

"When we are free, we speak the unspeakable and think the unthinkable." Starhawk - Truth or Dare.