June 2001

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Children

U.S. Lags Behind Europe in Well Being of Mothers and Children

The largest youth generation in history is upon us. Over one billion people between the ages of 15 and 24 populate the planet, and over 85% live in the developing world. Half the world's population is under 25, and over 40% of teenage girls in the developing world will give birth before age 20. But rarely do we hear about the daily realities of the world’s two billion mothers and their children.

Where are the best and worst places in the world for mothers to raise healthy children? In recognition of Mother’s Day, on May 8 Save the Children will release State of the World’s Mothers 2001, an in-depth look at the mothers of the world. Among the dramatic disparities that the report reveals:

• A country’s wealth is no guarantee of health: the U.S. ranks eleventh in well being of mothers due to its relatively high maternal mortality risk and low rate of women’s participation in national government. The U.S. lags even farther behind with its high adolescent fertility rate: with 59 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19, the U.S. ranks behind 74 other countries.
  
  
• Despite a decade of decline in U.S. teen pregnancy, 4 of 10 teenage girls become pregnant; these children are more likely to receive inadequate health care, drop out of school, and live in poverty.
  
  
• An estimated 514,000 women die each year from complications during pregnancy and childbirth; 99% are in the developing world.

This September, world leaders will convene at the UN Special Session on Children where they’ll review progress made since 1990’s World Summit for Children. Preliminary reports indicate that most countries are not living up to the financial and social commitments they made in 1990. Experts suggest these key strategies:

• Educate the American public and policymakers about the dire need for and benefits of improved health, education, and economic opportunities for mothers worldwide
  
  
• Dispense pledged funds for international programs that provide these opportunities

But these goals remain unfulfilled because commitments made at the World Summit for Children have not been met. Why should we care about the health of women and children in faraway places – or teenage mothers here at home?

During June of 2001, MMP offered the nation’s top experts on the health and well being of mothers and their children in this country and worldwide. Experts discussed ways to ensure that every mother has access to the essential tools – education, maternal and child health care, and economic opportunities – so that she and her children can not only survive, but also thrive.

Guest Speakers by Topic:

Beryl Levinger, Research Director, Center for Organizational Learning and Development

Charles MacCormack, President, Chief Executive Director, Save the Children

Mary Beth Powers, Reproductive Health Advisor, Save the Children

Dianne Sherman, Associate Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Save the Children

Beryl Levinger, Research Director, Center for Organizational Learning and Development