Today is International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, a global effort to raise awareness about obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury that affects an estimated 2-3 million women worldwide.

THE SITUATION: An obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening that forms in the birth canal due to obstructed labor. This devastating childbirth injury — which often results in incontinence, shame, and ostracization —  most commonly occurs in poor, rural areas in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where women have limited access to emergency obstetric care. Each year, between 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula, but fewer than 20,000 corrective surgeries occur annually.

THE SOLUTION: An obstetric fistula can only be treated with corrective surgery. If the operation is performed by a skilled surgeon, a woman with fistula can very often return to a normal life with her continence and hope restored. But without access to care, fistula survivors are forced to suffer the devastating effects of this injury for the rest of their lives.

WE RECOMMEND: Fistula Foundation, the global leader in fistula treatment, which funds more corrective surgeries than any other organization, including the US government. Fistula Foundation’s goal is simple:  perform as many life-changing fistula surgeries as possible. And to do this, Fistula Foundation provides corrective surgery, rehabilitation, counseling, and reintegration services at an estimated cost of $1169 per woman treated, or less than one night's stay in most hospitals in the US.

Read more about Fistula Foundation and calculate the impact you can have >

Humanitix Makes History: AU$4 Million Donation To Fuel Our Mission

We are delighted to announce our biggest donation yet from an incredible partner, Humanitix, a Sydney-based not-for-profit event ticketing platform that directs 100% of profits from booking fees to a range of education programs.

On 1 May, Humanitix co-founders Adam McCurdie and Josh Ross brought out the AU$4,000,000 cheque on stage at Blackbird’s Sunrise festival in Sydney, Australia, during a panel on building ethical brands. This generous donation marks Humanitix's single largest donation as well as the largest unrestricted donation The Life You Can Save has received to date.

We plan to use this donation to fund our next season of growth and continue to expand our impact in the most cost-effective way.

Thank you for being on the journey with us as we work together to transform and save the lives of those suffering from poverty.