The Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development (APGPD) welcomes the commitment by the Australian Government to continue funding the International Planned Parenthood Federation’s work with women during humanitarian crises. Over 800 women and girls are dying every day from complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Three in five preventable maternal deaths occur in conflict, displacement and natural disasters.

When disasters hit we must not forget women still need access to safe birthing spaces, family planning services, and protection against sexual violence. Since commencing in 2007 the IPPF SPRINT (Sexual and Reproductive Health Program in Crisis and Post-Crisis Settings) initiative has supported over 890,000 people through times of disaster including in Fiji, Nepal and Vanuatu.

The APGPD is pleased to see the Australian Government continuing to support women in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. While other countries are pulling back and leaving women and children vulnerable it is vital Australia continues to show global leadership focused on gender equality. Access to reproductive health services is a key component of women’s empowerment, with better health outcomes leading to better education and economic outcomes for all.

The Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development (APGPD) is a cross-party group of parliamentarians who work collaboratively to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment globally. The APGPD was established in 1995 as part of a global network of parliamentary groups and is a member of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development.