In minutes, the South Asian tsunami devastated an entire region. More than 150,000 lives were lost, as were thousands of homes and businesses. Sadly, experts are warning that after disasters of this scope, affected regions are often hit by a "second-wave" disaster of poverty and disease. With clinics and hospitals destroyed — and health care workers overwhelmed by tsunami-related injuries — reproductive health care is in short supply and reproductive rights are at grave risk of being violated. 

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As the United States continues to fund tsunami relief efforts, we must remember the special needs of women in crisis. Increased risk for sexual violence, contraceptive shortages, and a lack of prenatal care and delivery assistance will exacerbate the devastation of the region.

* Reports are coming in from Sri Lanka that displaced women in temporary shelters are experiencing a surge of sexual violence.

* Approximately 150,000 pregnant women in the region -- including 50,000 who will be giving birth in the next three months -- are at risk of pregnancy complications, including trauma-induced miscarriage.

* The Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association -- a main provider of delivery services and reproductive health care in the country -- has lost two of its clinics in the Acheh area and its main coordinating office. Other family planning organizations in India, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are still assessing damages.

Organizations like UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, are addressing these issues by distributing contraceptive supplies and pregnancy kits. The United States must work hand in hand with these agencies to prevent sexual violence, trauma-induced miscarriages, unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. These actions will protect the health and lives of women and families not only in the short run, but also in the coming months and years.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
January 10, 2005