Protecting new mothers internationally - Zonta Club of Toronto to assemble 1000 birthing kits

Toronto - November 14, 2011 - The Zonta Club of Toronto will assemble 1000 birthing kits on Saturday, November 19, 2011, for distribution internationally in cooperation with The Mennonite Central Committee.

Birthing kits include a plastic sheet, a piece of soap, two gloves, gauze squares, cord ties, and a razor blade. They are essential for midwives who struggle daily to deliver babies in non-sterile conditions, where simple items such as a piece of soap or clean razor blade could be the difference between life and death for mother or child.

Unicef estimates that each day about one thousand women die worldwide because of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Developing countries account for 99% of the deaths. (Source: http://www.childinfo.org/maternal_mortality.html)

"The birthing kits initiative is a perfect fit for the Zonta Club of Toronto, given our commitment to advancing the status of women through service. We are following in the footsteps of other Zonta Clubs from around the world who have donated time and supplies to help women in developing countries have a safe delivery - something we take for granted in our home community", says Zonta Club of Toronto President, Nita McCown.

Zonta Club of Toronto is partnering with Zonta Club of Mississauga at Streetsville Secondary School, who are providing the facilities for assembly.