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Gathering Comes As New Study Shows That Birth Control Saves Lives Worldwide

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Planned Parenthood Federation of America

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Today, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) joined other independent organizations, governments, and private foundations at the London Summit on Family Planning in committing to expand women’s access to contraception around the world.  In conjunction with the event, PPFA pledged to reach two million more women in the U.S. and one million more overseas.

Worldwide 222 million women want to delay or prevent pregnancy but do not have access to modern contraception.  Meeting this unmet need could slash maternal deaths by nearly one third, according to a new study published in the medical journal The Lancet in advance of the summit.

“Evidence confirms again and again that birth control saves lives,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.  “At home and abroad, Planned Parenthood and our partners fight every day to ensure that women everywhere can access this basic, preventive health care.”

Hosted by the UK government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the summit aims to increase access to contraception for 120 million women living in the world’s poorest countries by 2020.  Achieving this collective goal would lead to more than 100 million fewer unintended pregnancies and more than 50 million fewer unsafe abortions.

“A country cannot move forward without investing in women’s health and rights,” said Richards.  “Planned Parenthood commends the commitments made today and joins world leaders in pledging to improve women’s health.”

PPFA’s commitment to reach one million more women overseas will be pursued through Planned Parenthood Global, the organization’s international division.  For 40 years, Planned Parenthood Global has been working overseas to ensure that women, men, and young people in some of the world’s most neglected areas have access to the health care they need to control their bodies and their futures.  By partnering with local advocates, medical service providers, and youth leaders and helping to build sustainable networks and organizations, Planned Parenthood Global supports innovative ways to deliver critical services and fight for more inclusive laws and policies.

 

Published

July 11, 2012

Source

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Contact

Planned Parenthood Federation of America media office: 212-261-4433

Published

July 11, 2012