Women’s reproductive health represents a challenge to the developing world as well as the United States.  Maternal mortality and morbidity due to preventable causes remains unacceptably high worldwide.  A concerted effort to reduce pregnancy-related deaths from hemorrhage, infection and preeclampsia; increased accessibility to safe and inexpensive family planning methods that are culturally acceptable, and measures to prevent premature birth are urgently needed.  A number of recommendations will be presented to address these urgent needs.