Reproductive Freedom News Round Up

Courtesy of SQUAT Birth Journal, here is a round up of recent news around birth, reproductive rights, and mothers fighting for their dignity.

Midwives and supporters gather outside the Arizona state capital on theInternational Day of the Midwife Source: Desert Free Press

Last week people around the world celebrated the International Day of the Midwife, organizing walks and talks to celebrate the role of midwives in serving women and babies, particularly in developing countries. The Virtual International Day of the Midwife hosted a 24-hour online conference, and the proceedings are now available online.

Afghanistan is the worst place to be a mother, according to Save the Children’s Annual Global Mother’s Index. One of every 11 women die in childbirth in Afghanistan, and only one of every five children in the country will live to age 5. In contrast, Norway was deemed the best place to be a mother, with the US at spot 31.

Ashley, a student at Catherine Ferguson Academy Photo by Corinne Vermeulen, NY Time

Teen mothers in Detroit are fighting to keep their school, the Catherine Ferguson Academy, from being shut down. The school serves pregnant and teen moms, and has a 95% graduation rate. Stay tuned for the Summer 2011 issue of SQUAT, where Editor Jaydee Sperry will interview some of the students affected by the potential closure.

The LA Times reported on the flood of anti-abortion bills moving through state legislatures around the US.

This News from April is worth re-reporting: A study of pregnancy-related deaths in California found that the rising rate of C-sections plays a large role in maternal death.

Yet another benefit of breastfeeding was reported by British researchers this week in a study that finds fewer behavioral problems in children who were breastfed for at least 4 months.

And this is certainly news-worthy– the deadline for submissions to the Summer 2011 issue of SQUAT is almost upon us! Check out our submissions rules and get your writing or art to us by May 15!