Operation Fistula

At Operation Fistula we are on a mission to end obstetric fistula. What is obstetric fistula? Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that occurs when a woman suffers a prolonged, obstructed labor. Days of unrelieved labor tear holes in the walls that separate her birth canal from her bladder and/or rectum. The injury leaves her suffering with a constant flow of incontinence. The physical and emotional toll of the injury is devastating, not only because of the social stigma and ostracization that results from the injury, but also because obstructed labor often results in a woman having to deliver her baby stillborn. This injury happens to the worlds most vulnerable women and girls. Those subject to the fiercest burdens of gender inequity. Fistula exacerbates this unjust burden. The world has known how to effectively treat fistula since 1852. The same surgical technique is still 90% effective today and costs a few hundred dollars. However, despite this proven and affordable ...