One in every 8 babies in the United States is born premature. A study conducted by Thomson Healcare in 2001 found that premature babies are fourteen times as costly as healthy, full-term babies. First year health costs for premies were in excess of $41,000, while first year health costs for full-term babies were under $3,000. Every year over 550,000 uninsured women give birth in the United States, many of whom would rather forgo doctor visits and expensive medication, then shell out cash for care (and the social costs are tremendous). Even insured parties are angry with the current system. Here is what one unsatisfied customer had to say in response to a New York Times Online debate on health care

Deep thanks to everyone who signed the Petition for the release of two American journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, who were in North Korea in march shooting a documentary when they were arrested on charges of illegal entry. The two women had been inmates at a “political offense village” – a place which utilizes a number of inhumane correctional methods, such as beatings, maiming, and forced exercise – and have been released today, Tuesday August 4th, 2009. Thanks to the efforts of former President Bill Clinton and the ‘kind heart’ of the capricious and sour little Kim Jong Il, the two women can return to their families safely and in one piece.

If you’re Googling steps on how to start your own website, you’re probably already tearing out your hair over the plethora of outdated or confusing information that’s floating around out there, and you’re most likely ready to give up your hopes of ever running a successful non-profit .org or .net to save the unicorns, feed the frogs, or prevent nuclear winter; at this point, your eyes are bleeding, and you have the biggest urge to kill the internet. Don’t give up! There are ways to start your own website (without weird extensions, or a ton of flashing ads from your “sponsors”) that are fairly easy, though granted, you’ll have to put up some cash, and really commit to a long-term learning project.

“We’ll be able to get homeowners in em’ for half the cost, it’s a more effective use of our donor funds,” stated Burt Green, the executive director of Habitat Charlotte in reference to the unique non-new construction projects he has been spearheading. Habitat Critical Home Repair (HCHR) was launched in 2007 and serves economically disadvantaged homeowners in Charlotte, working intensively with families to conduct urgent home repairs. Volunteering this month is an exciting opportunity to learn more about Habitat and the different ways we serve families in need.

Sadly, the economic downturn is forcing more and more children across the globe into prostitution, while depriving charities of the funding they need to help. According to the United Nations, 1.2 million children are trafficked annually – others put this figure as high as four million. In Cambodia, where a Swiss NGO First Hand is finding more and more families turning to prostitution to make ends meet, with young victims sold for as little as $10. Contrary to popular belief, the main clients are nationals: many Cambodians are said to consider it acceptable and many believe HIV can be prevented or cured through sex with a virgin.

Pledge For Moms is participating in the Habitat build event coming up this Saturday, June 27th – we are going to be priming and painting a house that we’ve worked on in March (see March 21st Event and Slide Show)! It’s really exciting to participate in this last step of the building process and help mothers and families finally realize their dreams. Come join us at this wonderful event at 1708 Holliford Court, Charlotte NC. Don’t forget – in the summer-time, all events are scheduled to run from 8AM to 12PM because of the really hot weather. Please bring plenty of water and some friends!

Every day, over 160 women die in India from pregnancy and complications of child birth – the country’s maternal mortality rate makes up over 20% of total global maternal and child deaths. Despite successful efforts to decrease this number, many rural areas continue to experience over 500 deaths for every 100,000 live births. Save a Mother is a project dedicated to working directly with local communities and districts in Uttar Pradesh, one of the most effected areas in India, to help decrease infant and maternal mortality rates. Any preventable death is one too many.