Childbirth is an incredible and life-changing experience for women. Sadly, for many women in developing countries, their lives aren't changed for the better. Poor access to quality maternal health means that far too many lose their newborn children and suffer tremendous damage to their body during birth.

Many of these complications are preventable and treatable. That's the case with fistula -- a complication that not only causes disabling nerve damage, but leaves women incontinent and outcast from their families and communities. All these communities need are the resources to treat mothers.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has recognized the problem and in 2010 committed more than $1 billion to maternal health, but only a fraction has been spent so far. Meanwhile, women are suffering life-altering complications and dying from pregnancy and childbirth.

Send a message to Prime Minister Harper to make international maternal health a priority!

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

I applaud you and your government for recognizing the incredible need for better international maternal health and for pledging in 2010 to spend $1.1 billion to help women and children. I'm writing today to urge you to keep your promise and make maternal health a priority.

[Your comments will be added here.]

Women around the world continue to suffer from preventable and treatable complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Canada must be a leader and invest in maternal and child health around the world.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]