American Congressman Carolyn Maloney from New York City has just introduced legislation, “The Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope and Dignity Restoration Act of 2010,” H.R. 5441, which would authorize funding to prevent and treat women suffering from obstetric fistula in developing countries.

We are concerned that the legislation is almost a word-for-word copy of the 2012 United Nations report which incorrectly stated that obstetric fistula is eradicated in developed countries.

Christy (USA) Founder of the ‘Living with Obstetric Fistula’ group on Facebook

Quite clearly this is incorrect. OperationHopefistula is testament to the 100’s of women from USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Pacific and Indonesia who continue to suffer recto-vaginal and vesico-vaginal fistulas by their doctors/surgeons/obstetricians/midwives.

In fact, America leads the way with the highest number of women suffering from obstetric fistula (statistics taken from all members past and present of Living with Obstetric Fistula group).

More than 3/4 of our members come from the USA. So tell me again Congressman Maloney, why create a bill to assist obstetric fistula patients overseas when 100’s of American residents suffer on your very own doorstep?