Though we live in a world where science is making it safer to have a child, 800 women die every day due to preventable causes related to childbirth and pregnancy. Women in Africa are 47 times more likely to die during childbirth than anywhere else.

In addition to this, 17,000 children under the age of five will die every day due to preventable disease and malnutrition.

These statistics are astounding and unacceptable. Every woman, regardless of her socio-economic status or which country they live in, should have access to a safe pregnancy and delivery. They should also not live in fear that they may not be able to give their child everything he or she may need.

The Reach Every Child and Mother Act aims to end preventable deaths of mothers and children by 2030. This act, which is currently co-sponsored by Sen. Jack Reed, will create a five-year comprehensive plan to end these preventable deaths. It will also appoint a Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator who will be in charge of implementing this new plan. Finally, it will develop a financing framework to ensure commitments from non-profits, private sector and multinational organizations.

This act, which will also require an annual report be submitted to Congress, will make it safer for women all over the world to have children. It will give infants the proper healthcare so they may become lively children. These lively children will also have the resources to grow into healthy adults.

By supporting The Reach Every Child and Mother Act, we are investing in the next generations of people. I urge everyone to call or email your senators and representatives to co-sponsor this bill. We must all work together to end preventable deaths due to childbirth and pregnancy.

Rachel-Rose Komanapalli
Bristol