Joe Crowley: “Tomorrow we celebrate World Health Day. Unfortunately, though, too many of the world's women have no cause for…”

“Tomorrow we celebrate World Health Day. Unfortunately, though, too many of the world's women have no cause for celebration. Nearly 600,000 women die each year from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. That is one woman every minute. For every maternal death that occurs worldwide, an estimated 30 additional women suffer pregnancy-related health problems. More than 150 million married women in developing nations still want to space or limit childbearing, but do not have access to modern contraceptives. Yet, despite these startling statistics, the U.S. commitment to women's health remains woefully inadequate. That is why I, along with 31 of my colleagues, support legislation to increase the U.S. commitment to women's health by $300 million as part of our legislation, the Global Health Act 2000. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3826, the Global Health Act of 2000, authorizes $1 billion in additional resources to improve children's and women's health and nutrition, provide access to voluntary family planning, and combat the spread of infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS. Mr. Speaker, by passing the Global Health Act, the United States would make a giant leap forward in promoting access to healthcare for millions of the world's women. I hope we all can keep this in mind as we observe World Health Day tomorrow.”