This documentary film seeks to "challenge the global apathy towards women's reproductive rights by profiling a special group of women who live with obstetric fistula - the most debilitating and ostracizing childbearing disorder affecting over 2 million women in the developing world. Filmed on location in Niger, West Africa, LOVE, LABOR, LOSS follows women who live at the Niamey National Hospital with the hope of having their fistulas repaired. The hospital, situated in the capital of this landlocked nation, has become a meeting ground for committed Western and local doctors who work side-by-side to address the shortage of surgical expertise and resources to cure this affliction and to give fistula-affected women a second chance at normalcy.

As the stories of these women unfold in the film, the picture of their personal tragedy transforms into a larger portrait of the challenges to eradicate fistula in Niger. A country where women are being forced into marriage at an early age (as young as 9), becoming pregnant shortly after without access to appropriate prenatal and emergency obstetric care and who are unable to make their own choices about their reproductive health, Niger's strong commitment to alleviating women of fistula is met by tremendous social hurdles, implying a need for concerted efforts into truly recognizing, reshaping and reinvesting in women's reproductive rights throughout the world.

In order to bring a personal perspective to the reality of childbearing trauma, the testimonies of Nigerien women like Zeinabou, Kaltumi, Mariama, Amina and Takia ask the question, 'Is safe motherhood a human right?'"

The film is intended for the non-government organisation (NGO) community, to be used as a tool in educating the general public, policy makers, funders, and others about the importance of prioritising women's health. It debuted at the Beijing +10 Conference at the United Nations in March 2005. Beginning in September 2005, LOVE, LABOR, LOSS will be collaborating with the Grammy-nominated Congolese artist Marie Daulne of ZAP MAMA on a 3-week tour of film screenings and special appearances as part of a broader programme to educate, inspire, and mobilise new audiences around obstetric fistula and other global women's health issues. Community organisers and tour hosts are currently being solicited.

The film is also available for purchase by groups and individuals wishing to host local screenings. It may be ordered as a stand-alone video or as part of a Video Packet that comes with the following:

• a VHS or DVD copy of the 15-minute Advocacy Video narrated by Tony Award winning actress, Tonya Pinkins with music by ZAP MAMA
• a one-hour VHS or DVD version of the film
• a discussion guidebook to help facilitate screenings as well as supplemental informational material on obstetric fistula and safe motherhood.

To order a copy of the film plus supporting materials, please send a cheque for the appropriate amount to the street address listed below, or visit the order page on the LOVE, LABOR, LOSS website to learn how to use Pay Pal for online credit card purchase.

Emails from Lisa Russell of Governess Films to The Communication Initiative on February 25 2005 and July 16 2005.