Women's Health and Rights: Why U.S. Foreign Policy Matters

Progress on women's sexual and reproductive health and rights has always been vulnerable to political whims. U.S. foreign policy affects women overseas tremendously, yet often places women's actual well-being secondary to domestic political agendas. To assess the role and impact of current U.S. foreign assistance on maternal health, family planning and HIV/AIDS, the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) sponsored a study tour to Ethiopia with three state legislators in July, where we met with the U.S. ambassador, U.S. development staff, national government officials, Ethiopian and international NGOs, health care providers and, most importantly, women themselves. Our strategy was to get the perspectives of key stakeholders before coming to any findings or making any recommendations.

Congress and the American people have great reason to closely monitor the impact of U.S. global health policy on women's health in Ethiopia. The U.S. is a major donor to Ethiopia, providing $900 million in foreign assistance in 2009 alone. We have been able to contribute to positive growth and development in what is one of Africa's poorest countries. The Ethiopian government is currently implementing a community health worker program that is designed to provide comprehensive, integrated health services to women and families who are among the hardest-to-reach. Our partnership with Ethiopia has led to concrete, successful outcomes, including a doubling in just five years of the percentage of women who are using contraception among those who want to avoid or delay pregnancy. It is an example of what U.S. foreign policy can accomplish.

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