World Vision Applauds the Bipartisan Introduction of the Reach Every Mother and Child Act in the House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, DC (October 8, 2015) — World Vision applauds the introduction of the Reach Every Mother and Child Act in the House, and calls on all Members of the House to co-sponsor this important legislation.

Commonly referred to as the Reach Act, this legislation was introduced by a bipartisan group, including Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Betty McCollum (D-MN). This bill would work to dramatically accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths worldwide — helping achieve the U.S. commitment of ending these deaths by 2035. The bill calls for a scaling up of evidence-based, cost-effective solutions, while requiring a coordinated U.S. Government strategy to save the lives of vulnerable mothers and children. With 5.9 million children and almost 300,000 mothers dying every year from preventable causes, the Reach Act could not come at a more critical time.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Rep. Reichert, Rep. Lee, Rep. McCaul and Rep. McCollum in introducing this legislation in the House,” said World Vision’s Director of Government Relations Lisa Bos. “The longstanding, bi-partisan championing for maternal and child health issues in Congress is more important now than ever as we look to build renewed commitment, coordination and resources. This bill builds on the important recent adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals introduced last month at the United Nations General Assembly.”

Over the summer, World Vision advocates and others met with their Members of Congress in their local districts, to voice support for urgent action on the Reach Act.

A similar version of this legislation has already been introduced in the Senate. World Vision commends the work of maternal and child health advocates and hopes to amplify their voices on Capitol Hill.  World Vision has joined with over 20 NGO partners asking Congress to support both the House and Senate versions of the bill. Advocates can join the conversation by using hashtag #SaveMomsandKids to show support for the Reach Every Mother and Child Act.

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.

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