In the time that it takes you to read this post, at least one woman will die from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. One woman dies, every minute. A new study shows that the majority of maternal deaths are caused by infection or infectious disease and are preventable.

Complications directly related to pregnancy and birth such as bleeding accounted for 38 percent of the deaths while infectious diseases were responsible for nearly half, the researchers said.

Unsafe abortions are partially responsible for preventable maternal deaths in Africa.

Abortions are usually conducted in unregulated and unsanitary conditions and with methods that kill the young women or render them infertile for the rest of their lives.

Another new study shows that viruses may lead to high blood pressure in pregnancy which also contributes to maternal death.

High blood pressure affects up to 10 per cent of pregnancies in the developed world and is a common cause of maternal death in the third world.

I wandered over to International Giving and searched for "maternal health" and came up with 12 projects actively involved in saving women's lives. Read about them. Blog about them. Volunteer your time to help them. Donate money to them. Or start your own campaign, just like Mary at Owlhaven did with her blanket party (and washing machine fund.)

How long did it take you to read this post? How many women died while you were reading it?

~~Denise
Flamingo House Happenings