Leading Women’s Health Organizations Observe International Women’s Day 2019

Washington, DC —The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), AAGL, the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), the Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CUCOG), the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), the Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology (SASGOG), the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) released the following statement for International Women's Day 2019:

“International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender balance. The theme of International Women’s Day 2019, #BalanceforBetter, is particularly pertinent to the leading groups of professionals providing health care for women in the United States.

“Today, we join together to observe International Women’s Day 2019 and pledge to continue our domestic and international efforts to create a world where health care disparities no longer exist and gender parity is achieved.

“Women account for nearly 50 percent of the global population and there are currently 81 countries in which women make up the majority. Yet women continue to be one of the most marginalized groups in many regions of the world, particularly when it comes to access to reproductive health care. Family planning offers women options as to when they will begin or expand their families. Pregnancies that are planned are less likely to have adverse outcomes, including perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

“All providers must work together to create an equitable health care system that serves everyone. As women’s health care providers, we will continue to use our platform and status in society to share our knowledge, time, and resources to improve women’s health around the world. It is our responsibility to stand up against acts and policies that harm and disadvantage women and challenge gender inequity whenever we are confronted with it.”

ACOG

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. www.acog.org

AAGL

The AAGL (www.aagl.org) is the first and one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to gynecologic endoscopic surgery. Founded in 1971, AAGL works to advance the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that afford less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through the integration of clinical practice, research, and innovation. For the past 48 years, the organization has educated the world’s finest surgeons while improving the lives of women everywhere. For more information visit www.aagl.org.

ACNM

The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is the professional association that represents the interests of more than 12,000 certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) nationwide. With roots dating to 1929, ACNM sets the standard for excellence in midwifery education and practice in the United States and strengthens the capacity of midwives in developing countries. ACNM’s members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. To learn more about ACNM, visit www.midwife.org or follow ACNM on Twitter at @ACNMmidwives.

APGO

The Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization for women’s health educators. Since 1963, APGO has promoted excellence in women’s health care by providing optimal resources and support to educators who inspire, instruct, develop, and empower women’s health care providers to improve the quality of life for all women.

ASRM

ASRM is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine. The Society accomplishes its mission through the pursuit of excellence in education and research and through advocacy on behalf of patients, physicians, and affiliated health care providers. The Society is committed to facilitating and sponsoring educational activities for the lay public and continuing medical education activities for professionals who are engaged in the practice of and research in reproductive medicine. www.asrm.org

AUGS

The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), founded in 1979, is the premier non-profit organization representing more than 1,900 members including practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, nurses and health care professionals, as well as researchers from many disciplines, all dedicated to treating female pelvic floor disorders (pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence). As the leader in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, AUGS promotes the highest quality patient care through excellence in education, research and advocacy.

AWHONN

Since 1969, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) has been the foremost authority promoting the health of women and newborns and strengthening the nursing profession through the delivery of superior advocacy, research, education, and other professional and clinical resources. AWHONN represents the interests of 350,000 registered nurses working in women's health, obstetric, and neonatal nursing across the United States. Learn more about AWHONN at www.awhonn.org.

CUCOG

The Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology was established for the charitable and educational purposes of promoting excellence in medical education in the fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Today, the organization promotes and supports leadership development of current and future chairs, and encourages excellence in medical student, resident, and fellowship training; clinical practice; research and advocacy in women’s health. CUCOG provides a forum for chairpersons to address issues relevant to academic obstetrics and gynecology, and provides opportunities to share ideas and network with colleagues.

NPWH

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) is a nonprofit, professional membership association representing more than 8,000 Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs). Advanced practice registered nurses and other healthcare providers rely on NPWH for resources and education that improve women’s health and wellness through evidence-based practice. NPWH pioneers policies to address gender disparities and forges strategic partnerships that advance health equity and holistic models of care. For more information, visit www.npwh.org.

SASGOG

The Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology seeks to enhance women’s health by supporting academic generalist physicians in all phases of their careers. Our goal is to support education and scholarship, while fostering excellence in research.

SGO

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) is the premier medical specialty society for health care professionals trained in the comprehensive management of gynecologic cancers. As a 501(c)(6) organization, the SGO contributes to the advancement of women’s cancer care by encouraging research, providing education, raising standards of practice, advocating for patients and members and collaborating with other domestic and international organizations.

SMFM

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is a non-profit, membership organization based in Washington, DC. With more than 3,500 physicians, scientists and women's health professionals around the world, the Society supports the clinical practice of maternal-fetal medicine by providing education, promoting research and engaging in advocacy to optimize the health of high-risk pregnant women and their babies. SMFM hosts an annual scientific meeting in which new ideas and research related to high-risk pregnancies are unveiled and discussed. For more information, visit www.smfm.org.