An article in the NYT today on the state and promise of women in the developing world brought to my attention the debilitating effects of obstetric fistula, a condition suffered by women who do not have access to adequate obstetrical care during pregnancy and childbirth. It's caused when a baby is caught in the birth canal and punctures a hole on the inside of the womans body. The results are almost always the death of the child, as well as isolation of the surviving woman due to incontinence, the perception of uncleanliness and sometimes paralysis. Further research on Wikipedia revealed the most shocking reality, that it only costs between $300-$450 USD to treat and repair the survivors. $300-$450 to give a woman her life back.

I plan to donate and I hope you do, too. Click here to view a video produced by Direct Relief International. I am not sure if they are the best organization to support, I'm still doing research, but this is a start. Please let me know if you'd recommend a particular organization.