Devex: Poorest women feel inequality gap most as they try to access health care, reports UNFPA
“Increasingly, women and girls across different strata of society are experiencing a greater divide as they seek to obtain access to sexual and reproductive health care. As inequality continues to rise within countries, it is creating far more than a financial gap among the rich and the poor, the annual flagship report of the U.N. Population Fund, shows. The report was launched Tuesday at the United Nations…” (Lieberman/Abrahams, 10/18).

The Guardian: Inequality threatens social stability, warns new U.N. population chief
“The new head of the U.N. Population Fund has vowed to be more aggressive in promoting the agency’s message to business that protecting women’s reproductive health not only saves lives, but can boost earnings. … The UNFPA estimates that limited access to family planning translates into 89m unintended pregnancies and 48m abortions in poorer countries each year, which can limit women’s future ambitions…” (Ford, 10/18).

U.N. News Centre: U.N. report outlines path towards closing gender gap, realizing reproductive health rights
“…Pressed into motherhood early, or repeatedly, these girls and women are more prone to maternal injuries, disabilities, or even death. They are less able to finish their educations or enter the paid workforce, leaving their families poorer and their children with bleaker futures. The report also warns that these inequalities could undermine the global goals on ending poverty, eliminating preventable deaths, and achieving sustainability…” (10/17).

VOA News: U.N. Report: Inequality, Denial of Reproductive Rights Threaten Development
“…UNFPA Geneva Office Director Monica Ferro said family planning is not only a human right, but necessary for women’s empowerment. … Ferro also expressed regret over the decision by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump not to fund the U.N. Population Fund…” (Schlein, 10/17).

Xinhua News: U.N. report stresses need to ensure women’s reproductive rights
“…The UNFPA report was released to coincide with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which falls on Oct. 17. This year’s theme is ‘Answering the Call of October 17 to End Poverty: A Path Toward Peaceful and Inclusive Societies’…” (10/18).