Marie Stopes International-Family Planning Clinics in PNG

 Members David Pisterman and Norman Hall with Maya Godlstein, Madryn Sanderson and Claire Vickers

Chair of the day Gordon Cheyne introduced Madryn Sanderson External Relations Director at Marie Stopes, who in response to a later question explained that Marie Stopes was an Englishwoman somewhat controversial in her time who established a family planning clinic in London in the 1930's.  Continuing until about 1970 the unit was acquired by the current owner and slowly expanded to embrace its present world organisation with activity in 42 countries. There is now a regional office in Melbourne focusing on our Asia Pacific region.  

Madryn introduced colleague Maya Goldstein, a Program Development Coordinator who gave a interesting and detailed account of the work, with which she was closely involved, of Marie Stopes Interantional in PNG recently at the Goroka Centre.  Two cases examples provided real life stories to which audience could relate.

On a broader statistical scene , the massive flow on effect which the provision of birth control and family planning advice to women (and men) was astounding.  For instance it was estimated that in 2011, by helping 11 Million clients, there were 15000 unwanted deaths, and health savings of $472M.  Further we heard of the interaction on poverty eradication and social development in these impacted countries and the general improved well being of women. 

The address catelogued the merits of various birth control methods appropriate in the lesser developed countries and gave an interesting insight of the interaction of religion and family planning programs there.    Thanks to the Marie Stops team of Madryn, Maya and Claire for joining the club at its meeting.