Statement made on 29 September 2011 by Senator Grant Mitchell
Hon. Grant Mitchell:
Honourable senators, I am pleased to speak today about the Canadian Foundation for Women's Health, whose mission is to promote the health of women in Canada and around the world through research, education and advocacy in obstetrics and gynecology.
The Foundation is a national non-profit organization that raises funds in support of women's sexual and reproductive health. It is the charitable arm of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. With the support of individuals, corporations and medical organizations, the foundation supports the society's programs and funds research projects to improve women's health at all stages of life. These areas of research include preterm labour; safe pregnancies; postpartum depression; gestational diabetes; infertility; hysterectomy; safe delivery and newborn health; and treatment of breast, ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer.
The foundation supports international women's health programs by funding training programs for health professionals in developing countries to improve maternal and newborn health and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
Support for the foundation means support for mothers and newborns, and helps ensure that women have access to comprehensive care and information.
This fall, the foundation will hold its first walk in support of pregnant women. "Bumps on the Road - A 9K Walk for Pregnancy" will take place on October 23. I invite Canadians to visit the foundation's website at www.cfwh.org.