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| Web Pages |
| NYTimes.com - Alone and Ashamed |
| Obstetric fistulas are quite common in Africa. Here is a description of the problem, its prevalence, and what some people are doing about it. |
| Fistula Hospital |
| Hospital in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia which serves and treats women afflicted with obstetric fistulas. History of the institution and its founders, description of the facilities, fundraising efforts, and future plans. |
| The Worldwide Fund for Mothers Injured in Childbirth |
| Founded out of concern for the many thousands of women in the developing world who suffer from injuries or death related to labor and delivery. Provides or supports education, advocacy, awareness, medical care, and research. Has a number of articles about the problem in pdf format. |
| MaterCare International (MCI) - Obstetric Fistula |
| Describes the problem, its effects, and a project to build a hospital in Africa to treat this and other birth-related problems and injuries. |
| The Trauma of Childbirth |
| Website to accompany a radio story (available in Realaudio format) by Radio Netherlands about obstetric fistulas and their treatment in Nigeria. Includes details about the history of this complication and the money and resources needed to adequately treat it across Africa. |
| NYTimes.com - Scholars Argue Over Legacy of Surgeon Who Was Lionized, Then Vilified |
| J. Marion Sims, called by some the "Father of Gynecology" perfected his technique of repairing fistulas on American slave women in the 1840s. This story is about his efforts and how he's viewed by historians. [Requires free nytimes.com registration to view.] |
| UNFPA.org - Addressing Obstetric Fistulas |
| UN agency defines the problem and how it intends to address it. |
| UNFPA.org - Campaign To End Fistula |
| Details of a study on the occurrence of fistula in nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa and on the capacity of hospitals to treat it. |
| Rectovaginal Fistula Information |
| Basic information about a rare but serious complication of child birth. Includes description, cause, symptoms, repair options, advice, research links and support. |