<A recent study by UNICEF in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control revealed that a woman dies every 20 minutes in Afghanistan due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth. In some remote parts of the country, this mortality rate is 130 times higher than it is in the United States. Why? Because women here have no access to basic medical care.

Why? Medical care is not at the top of the reason-list, though it would likely mark a close third. The top two positions on that list are likely held by anguish and simple, everyday hardship. Afghanistan is not user-friendly.

With basic medical care, 90 percent of pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented.

Of course the above prediction will include a less stressful, less destitute life for women in the country as well.

Dan