Globe and Mail Examines Problem of Obstetric Fistulas

May 24, 2006

Toronto's Globe and Mail on Tuesday examined the problem of obstetric fistulas, which "affect the poorest women in the most isolated places" (Nolen, Globe and Mail, 5/23). Obstetric fistulas develop when a fetus becomes lodged during labor in the narrow birth canal of a girl or young woman, causing pressure that blocks the flow of blood to vital tissues and tearing holes in the bowel, urethra or both, causing incontinence. Physicians can repair a small fistula surgically in fewer than two hours, but to repair a larger fistula and restore a woman's continence might require more than one surgery (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 3/7). Obstetric fistulas can be prevented with caesarean-section deliveries, but fewer than half of African women give birth in medical settings or under trained supervision, the Globe and Mail reports. Because of the population fistulas affect, the issue "attracts little attention and even fewer resources," but campaigns aimed at drawing attention to this "unglamorous" health care issue have been successful in the past few years, according to the Globe and Mail. "We're seeing a lot of positive changes, of facilities being able to handle more cases - increased awareness and prioritization of the issue," Kate Ramsey, a technical specialist at the U.N. Population Fund's Campaign To End Fistula, said (Globe and Mail, 5/23).