Bill Overview
Title: Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope, and Dignity Restoration Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the President to provide assistance to support the treatment of obstetric fistula and address the social, structural, health, and human rights issues that lead to obstetric fistula. Such assistance shall promote the Campaign to End Fistula and the International Obstetric Fistula Working Group led by the United Nations Population Fund.
Sponsors: Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12]
Target Audience
Population: Women living with or at risk of obstetric fistula worldwide
Estimated Size: 5000
- Obstetric fistula primarily affects women, typically in low and middle-income countries, due to prolonged obstructed labor without access to timely and adequate medical treatment.
- The World Health Organization estimates that around 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula each year.
- The UNFPA estimates that there are currently 2 million women living with untreated obstetric fistula, predominantly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
- Most affected women are from regions with limited access to obstetric care, predominantly in developing countries.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily targets women who might be at risk of obstetric fistula, which is rare in the United States due to advanced medical care. However, it may impact marginalized communities and recent immigrants from countries where obstetric fistula is more common.
- Since the US has an extremely low incidence of obstetric fistula, the policy benefits in the US may include increased awareness and preventative education, potential improvements in maternal healthcare especially among underserved communities, and possibly addressing similar structural barriers that could affect maternal health more broadly.
- The wellbeing of affected individuals could improve if they receive medical treatment and support, but the number of direct beneficiaries in the US will be relatively small compared to the global impact of the policy, aligning with the target's limitations.
- Informed by cultural and economic contexts, immigrants from high-risk regions may also benefit from enhanced understanding, healthcare access support, and reduced stigmatization.
- The policy's overall long-term impact in the US would likely focus on support mechanisms and systemic improvements rather than direct treatment of obstetric fistula because of its rarity.
Simulated Interviews
Nurse (New York City, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide much-needed awareness and educational resources in our community.
- It's important to have a focus on marginalized groups, including recent immigrants, who might face similar health barriers.
- I hope it creates better support systems for maternal health overall.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Social Worker (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This has the potential to reduce health disparities by focusing on susceptible populations like immigrants.
- I expect improved support and resources for women struggling with maternal health issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Primary Care Physician (Houston, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a step forward in terms of awareness and education about maternal risks not typically discussed in the US healthcare space.
- It's crucial for prevention and to enhance the standard of care in targeted areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Health Educator (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I anticipate the policy fostering a greater understanding of maternal health issues and preventive care.
- Hopefully, it can make healthcare more accessible and equitable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Advocate (Jackson, MS)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a significant opportunity to address and highlight women's health issues and inequities, especially in rural areas.
- Could prompt more extensive systemic healthcare improvements even if directly less impactful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Immigration Attorney (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might indirectly benefit clients by improving overall awareness and resource allocation for maternal health issues.
- Hopeful that this will bridge gaps in healthcare for marginalized women.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Public Health Researcher (Miami, FL)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Awareness and policy alignment at international levels could change domestic perspectives on maternal health needs.
- Important step for global health interconnectivity, possibly influencing US policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Hospital Administrator (Detroit, MI)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the direct impact on US hospitals might be limited, it encourages a reevaluation of care priorities.
- Support structures in marginalized communities could benefit indirectly.
- Policy could influence guidelines and funding for maternal health initiatives in underserved areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Non-profit Director (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy focus aligns with broader advocacy goals of increasing maternal health discussions.
- I expect it to drive supportive dialogues and prevention efforts in women's health networks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Academic Researcher (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The initiative has potential to inform future research and uncover systemic structural issues affecting health disparities.
- Could catalyze increased global health cooperation impacting domestic health strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 10: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Key Considerations
- International collaboration requirements: The bill's success depends on effective coordination with international organizations and other countries.
- Ensuring effective use of funds: Oversight mechanisms will be necessary to ensure funds aid in the establishment of sustainable healthcare infrastructures in target regions.