A pregnant woman with a badly positioned baby or with a small or malformed pelvis and without access to trained medical help, may be in labour for up to a week before delivering a stillborn child, with no medical help. In many cases, the prolonged labour results in a fistula

(hole) in the bladder and sometimes the rectum. These women become permanently incontinent and are often rejected by their husbands, outcast from their villages and become destitute.

Often crippled as a result of their injuries, many women also suffer a deep sense of shame, and failure and depression.

In Ethiopia alone, it is estimated that there are more than 8,000 new cases of obstetric fistula each year! Over 2 million women throughout the developing world suffering from this tragic and debilitating condition.

Ninety-three percent of the women are cured and are given a new life. Long term patients are taught to manage their condition and given skills training at the

Hospital's purpose built village Desta Mender.

Governor Quentin Bryce who visited the Hospital recently said "Where women are supported and empowered, whole communities reap the benefit."

Joan Conlon has acquired some equipment to send to the hospital. “We are holding a fundraising lunch for women at the Bellingen Golf Club at 12.30 on Saturday, July 11. $15 will buy you lunch and a glass of wine

and help us raise the funds needed to help this worthwhile cause.”

Please ring and book with Gillian at the Golf Club on 66551312 or Margot on 6655 9339 to confirm your attendance.