Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a southeast Asian country that has endured years of political repression. Most Americans know little about the conditions inside the country. A recent report from Ibis Reproductive Health points to an alarming crisis for the 150,000 women displaced by political repression concentrated in refugee groups along the border with Thailand. Lack of access to trained birth attendants and to contraception has led to a skyrocketing rate of maternal mortality (721 deaths per 100,000). In addition, women facing unplanned pregnancies are experiencing death and complications from unsafe abortions. The report calls on the UN and the international community to pressure the government of Myanmar to make women’s health a priority. To read more:
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportId=94839