Too often, it is women who make—and disproportionately bear the brunt of— reproductive health decisions on behalf of a couple.  Women are the ones who risk dying from complications in pregnancy and childbirth.  And if a mother dies, her daughters—not her sons—tend to be the ones who leave school to care for their families. Sadly, men more often hold the power in decision making, both at a personal and at a political level. PAI urges men to be the strongest allies in improving the health and well-being of women— whether as partners or politicians—by engaging in the fight to save the lives of their wives, sisters, daughters, mothers and other women in their community.

This year, World Population Day focused on the role of men in maternal health—emphasizing reproductive health as a goal that both men and women want and need. The role of men is crucial according to Amy Coen, President and CEO of PAI, who stated, “Women cannot win this war—a war in which they suffer poor health at the hands of inequality— without the help of their partners, husbands, and fathers.”

By promoting sound policy, increasing funding for reproductive health programs and making sure that these programs address the needs of both men and women, policymakers have the ability to save tens of thousands of lives and improve the quality of life for countless more women and children—and in turn, the men in their lives.

The involvement of men at all levels of society is critical to saving women’s lives and achieving gender equity.  Reproductive health programs must reach out to men, as well as women, if they are to be effective.  In addition, these programs must be made accessible and attractive to men and be combined with strong programs that engage men in broader issues, like preventing gender-based violence and eliminating the practice of female genital mutilation.  Reproductive health isn’t just a “woman’s issue.”  It affects the health and prosperity of every man, woman and child in the world.