The Hill: Maternal mortality is a problem we can solve
Diana Ohlbaum, independent consultant, co-chair of the Accountability Working Group of the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network, and principal of Turner4D

“…The reasons why progress [toward ending preventable maternal and child deaths] has been lagging are technically simple but politically complex. … Behind the failure to solve these problems lies one stark fact: Women’s needs are not being met because women’s rights are not valued. … One bright spot is bipartisan legislation introduced in the House … and in the Senate … to require a ‘coordinated, integrated, and comprehensive’ strategy for combating the leading causes of maternal, newborn, and child deaths globally. The bill would improve alignment with country-driven plans and designate a single official within the administration to lead a whole-of-government response. No piece of legislation can remove all the obstacles that prevent the world’s women and girls from receiving the care they need. But smart legislation can remove some of the bureaucratic impediments and inefficiencies that prevent U.S. foreign assistance from achieving maximum impact…” (11/10).