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The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Reaction to the Report on Maternal and Child Health in Canada 2005.

Ottawa, Ontario – April 14, 2005 – As women’s health advocates and in recognition of the Report on Maternal and Child Health in Canada and the World Health Day 2005 theme of Make Every Women and Child Count, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) would like to highlight the domestic challenges Canada still faces in women’s health and the urgency for Canadian action on the global stage.

For the past 61 years the SOGC has worked diligently to improve women’s health in Canada. Furthermore, it has recognized its responsibility to women’s health around the world. It is today one of the only medical societies delivering, funding and providing expert volunteers to an international risk reduction program for mothers and newborns. Our internationally recognized ALARM International Program is a collaborative program that saves lives and allows developing countries to establish a body of expertise to continue expert training domestically.

The SOGC and its partners urge the government of Canada to increase funding to Canadian organizations delivering comprehensive and proven programs in developing countries. All too often this funding is given to international organizations and our Canadian expertise is grounded due to lack of support. Meanwhile, more than half a million women continue to die worldwide from pregnancy related causes every year. Domestically, the health of mothers and children are amongst the best in the world. However, as stated in the report on Maternal and Child Health in Canada, we still have vulnerable communities in Canada. The low-income single parent families and our Aboriginal communities do not enjoy the same standard of health as the rest of the nation. The SOGC, through its professional development program, public education campaigns, Aboriginal health committee and clinical guidelines is committed to addressing the needs of these Canadians and the social issues affecting the health of these communities. In a country as diverse and rich as Canada, making every mother and child count should be guaranteed.

As Canadians, physicians and healthcare providers we must increase our efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals for women’s health. It is our duty.

André B. Lalonde, MD, FRCSC, FRCOG, FSOGC, FACS, M.Sc.
Executive Vice-President / Vice-président administratif
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
La Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada (SOGC)

About the SOGC

Founded in 1944, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada is comprised of over 2,700 professional members, including gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. A leading authority on reproductive health care, the SOGC produces national guidelines for both public and medical education on important women's health issues. The Society's mission is to promote optimal women's health through leadership, collaboration, education, research and advocacy in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Last Updated April 19, 2007