May 5, International Midwives' Day!

From MedicalDaily.com,

Midwives all over the world will be recognized on Sunday, May 5 as the 23rd annual International Day of the Midwife kicks off. The observation, which has been celebrated since 1991, was started by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) as a way to recognize the contributions of midwives in their respective communities, according to the National Awareness Days website. [...]

International nurse and midwife organizations say they plan to celebrate the day. The theme this year is "the world needs midwives now more than ever," according to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), which holds 650 midwives as members. "Access to midwifery services is essential," said NZNO nursing adviser Kate Weston in a press release. "Timely access to midwifery care is so important. Early engagement with a midwife with ongoing care through pregnancy protects and promotes positive outcomes for mothers, babies and families."

Pope Francis receives FIAMC President

MaterCare International is happy to report that Pope Francis spoke with the president of the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, of which MaterCare is the obstetrical arm. More from FIAMC.org,

In the afternoon of April 20, the Holy Father Francis received in a private audience FIAMC President José María Simón Castellví in Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican City). They spoke in the Spanish language. Doctor Simón talked to Pope Francis about the protection of motherhood, the practice of medicine today and about the work of our worldwide federation. 

Pope Francis has thanked the activities of the FIAMC and the Catholic Doctors all over the world and asked doctor Simón to tell them so.

This Mother's Day, give the gift that gives twice! A donation to MaterCare International

 Dear Friends, 

Now in existence for over 15 years, MaterCare International (MCI) continues to strive to expand its programs and offerings to women and children. We hope that you will be able to take part in one or more of the many exciting events that we are offering this year and experience firsthand the pride we take in our cause, to save the lives of mothers and their children. Mothers, especially those under-served by their communities, their governments, and the world, suffer unlike any other population of people. When speaking of the poor, mothers and their children comprise the majority. While in the developing world mothers suffer from physical and economic neglect, in the western world mothers often suffer from what Pope Francis calls “the spiritual poverty of our time”.  

MCI has been working for over a decade to bring hope and care to those in need in Kenya, Haiti, Ghana, and Nigeria. We are dedicated to Pope Francis’ message that we are all called to serve the poor, the poorest of which are mothers. You too can be a part of this commitment by joining our community of supporters in a variety of capacities. 

This June, MCI will begin operating our maternity hospital in Isiolo, Kenya to provide the safe delivery of 1,500 pregnancies each year. The hospital will operate on a provident yearly budget of $282,653 CAD. Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of women and children by allowing us to continue our lifesaving work. 

Find out more by visiting www.MaterCare.org/donate or call us today toll free: 1-888-579-6473. 

MaterCare International is dedicated to transparency in giving. You will find below a list of procedures MCI offers that you or your group can designate funds towards. *These are the costs MCI will absorb for the mothers who are destitute and have no means of payment.  No one will EVER be sent away. Your sustainable donations will help women survive and thrive. The information you provide is confidential.

Individual Procedures	Cost (CAD)
Lower-segment Caesarean Section	$70
Repair Ruptured Uterus	$80
Spontaneous Vertex Delivery	$25
Breech Delivery	$45
Twin Delivery	$60
Vaginal Delivery with Repair Episiotomy	$40
Vesico - Vaginal Fistula	$150

The most intimate relationship a human being can have is that between a child and their mother. MCI is honored to be given the opportunity to facilitate that relationship, and by supporting us, you too will play an integral part in that bond. “Motherhood is therefore a gift to humanity of such fundamental importance that it must be cherished and served in special ways appreciating its dignity as the key to healthy families and societies.” –Pope John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem (1988)

Thank you in advance for your support! 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Robert Walley, Founder and Executive Director 

MaterCare International 

Don't forget, May 12th!

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Show your mother your love by making a donation in her name to mothers everywhere by visiting www.MaterCare.org/donate!