What does Preamble of Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act do?

This bill authorizes assistance to train and retain obstetrician-gynecologists and sub-specialists in urogynecology. The bill aims to improve the quality of care for women in least developed countries. The bill includes provisions for 'other purposes' not further detailed in this section.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act do?

This section outlines findings regarding obstetric fistula, an injury resulting from prolonged obstructed labor. It states that an estimated 500,000 women and girls worldwide live with obstetric fistula, with thousands more cases occurring annually, disproportionately affecting impoverished and marginalized populations. The text highlights the devastating consequences of obstetric fistula, including chronic incontinence, social isolation, and mental health problems. It identifies obstetric fistula as a violation of human rights and an indicator of inadequate healthcare systems. The section emphasizes that obstetric fistula is preventable through universal health coverage, skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and access to contraception. Addressing gender and socioeconomic inequalities is deemed equally important in preventing the condition. The United Nations General Assembly has called for ending obstetric fistula within a decade, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Surgical treatment can effectively repair obstetric fistula and facilitate reintegration into society, but a significant unmet need for treatment and social reintegration persists. The UNFPA-led global Campaign to End Fistula is highlighted as a key contributor to promoting the rights and well-being of women and girls affected by fistula. The section concludes that intensified investment and partnerships are needed to achieve the global goal of ending obstetric fistula by 2030.

What does INTERNATIONAL OB/GYN AND UROGYNECOLOGY PROMOTION PROGRAM. of Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act do?

This section establishes the International OB/GYN and Urogynecology Promotion Program. The program's purpose is to train and retain obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) and urogynecology specialists in least developed countries to improve women's healthcare. The President, through the Director of the John E. Fogarty International Center, is authorized to provide assistance to least developed countries to support related activities. Supported activities include establishing fellowship and residency programs in coordination with educational institutions and clinical centers. These programs aim to support midwifery student education, develop specialized training for medical students and residents, and allow students to practice in areas with high childbirth-related injury prevalence. The program also supports the establishment of training centers to address the shortage of OB-GYNs and urogynecology specialists.

What does COMPREHENSIVE 10-YEAR STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE SHORTAGE OF of Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act do?

This section directs the President to establish a 10-year strategy to address the shortage of physicians in least developed countries. The strategy must be flexible and responsive to the needs of women with childbirth-related injuries. The strategy includes a plan for implementing programs and activities, including grants and contracts. Specific objectives and strategies are required to treat and prevent childbirth-related injuries. The strategy must assign priorities for relevant executive branch agencies. It mandates public health and social science research related to childbirth-related injuries. The strategy should develop evidence-based systems of care connecting maternity facilities with community programs. Expansion of training centers and partnerships with institutions of higher learning is included. Resource distribution priorities will be based on factors like population demographics and existing infrastructure. The strategy includes a plan for institutional capacity-building to eradicate childbirth-related injuries. The President must submit a report to Congress detailing the strategy within two years of enactment.

What does REPORT. of Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act do?

This section mandates an annual report to Congress regarding the implementation of the Act. The President, through the Director of the John E. Fogarty International Center, is responsible for submitting the report. The report must include an evaluation of the effectiveness and performance of the International OB/GYN and Urogynecology Promotion Program, as established under section 3. Related community outreach and medical programs are also to be included in the evaluation.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Childbirth-related injuries” are defined as injuries associated with obstructed labor, including pelvic organ prolapse, displacement of pelvic organs, and obstetric fistula. A “low-income country” is defined as a country with a per capita gross national income of $1,035 or less. A “least developed country” is defined as a low-income country confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development according to the United Nations Economic Analysis and Policy Division. “Relevant executive branch agencies” include the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, and other agencies participating in international health and humanitarian activities.

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Physician Education for Fistula Treatment Act

Last updated: 5/22/2026 · Introduced: 5/22/2026

Author: Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the International OB/GYN and Urogynecology Promotion Program to train and retain specialists in least developed countries, aiming to improve women's healthcare.
The bill directs the President to develop a 10-year strategy to address the shortage of physicians in least developed countries, focusing on childbirth-related injuries.
The strategy requires public health and social science research, the development of evidence-based care systems, and expansion of training centers.
The bill mandates an annual report to Congress evaluating the effectiveness of the International OB/GYN and Urogynecology Promotion Program and related outreach efforts.
The legislation defines key terms including childbirth-related injuries, low-income countries, and least developed countries, clarifying the scope of the program.

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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