Mighty Mothers Around the Globe

by Stephanie Rudeen

I would like to thank all the mothers out there who have inspired their children, offered support, let their children experience life, and even kissed their boo-boos when they tried to jump off the top of the climbing tower, straight onto the cement sidewalk below (thanks, mom). And to celebrate the one day when mothers finally receive the attention they deserve, I would like to think about the mothers everywhere, especially in the countries where Plant With Purpose works.

I wrote a previous blog post about maternal health and the astonishing amount of women who die each year during pregnancy. Maternal health proves especially harmful and fatal in the impoverished countries where Plant With Purpose works, such as Africa. Although I do not want to detract from the global epidemic that is maternal health, I have some good news for all the mothers, and sons and daughters, in the world, especially those in Tanzania and Burundi – new data shows that maternal deaths are declining throughout the world!

In a recent New York Times article, “Maternal Deaths Decline Sharply Across the Globe,” researchers have found that the maternal mortality rate has dropped from 526,300 in 1980 to 342,900 in 2008. Although this is still a significant number, it gives hope that maternal health is finally receiving the attention it deserves, and eliciting appropriate action.

There are a number of reasons for the drop in maternal death rates, including “lower pregnancy rates in some countries, higher income, which improves nutrition and access to health care, more education for women, and the increasing availability of ‘skilled attendants’ – people with some medical training to help women give birth,” according to the article.

The bad news, though, is that Africa still has the highest maternal death rates in the world. As more mothers all over the world have the health, knowledge, and resources they need to have a healthy pregnancy, there are still women all throughout Africa who die every day giving birth.

I don’t even know what kind of person I would be without the guidance and support of my mother, and I’m sure people all over the world feel the same way. The decline of the maternal death rate brings hope to millions of mothers all over the world, but don’t forget those mothers out there who still need help from people like you. Help Plant With Purpose bring hope to moms in Africa who need it the most. With improved income, improved nutrition, access to clean water, education for children, and spiritual growth, women everywhere can experience a long, happy life.

Consider planting trees this Mother’s Day to honor your mom, and help reforest Mother Earth. Visit our website by clicking here: http://www.plantwithpurpose.org/page/24/trees-please.html and choose to plant a tree, an orchard, a hillside, a grove, or even a forest. Entire communities will be changed in your mom's honor! Now that’s an incredible gift.