WCC guide raises awareness of obstetric fistula

A new guide published by the World Council of Churches (WCC) aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the role they can play in the prevention of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention.  Photo: Albin Hillert/LWF-Life on Earth Pictures 26 October 2023 Obstetric fistula can have devastating physical, emotional, and economic consequences for women and can even result in permanent disability. The guide introduces readers to obstetric fistula and considers how churches can help prevent the condition from occurring in the women in their congregations and local communities.  With tips for practical and emotional support, and encouragement to those who are suffering with obstetric fistula, the guide outlines the advocacy work being done and suggests some actions churches can take. The guide is underscored by the WCC’s stance on the issue of obstetric fistula as a human rights concern. The World Health Organization estimates that each year between 50,000 and 100,000 women worldwide are affected by this condition. An estimated 2-3 million women live with untreated obstetric fistula, mainly in Asia and Africa.  “The booklet provides an introduction to the issue and examines the stigma and discrimination which survivors face,” explained Jennifer Philpot-Nissen, programme executive for Human Rights for the World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs. “Through an examination of relevant biblical verses, churches are invited to consider how they can advocate for the prevention of obstetric fistula. The booklet proposes actions that they can take, and concludes with prayers from different church traditions.”   Free download of the WCC publication: "A Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula" Learn more about the WCC work on "Human dignity and rights" See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland