Fatmata became pregnant at 15 and had to drop out of school to care for her child. She is not alone — in Sierra Leone, nearly one-third of teenage girls are mothers.

But, through a UNFPA program, Fatmata was able to rebuild her life after childbirth, return to school, and learn about sexual and reproductive health, including family planning.

Now she says, “I want to continue with my studies, as I dream of becoming a nurse.”

An essential part of UNFPA’s work is family planning — which includes information about contraceptives and fertility and access to contraception.

But with recent cuts to funding for UNFPA, our ability to help women and girls worldwide is in jeopardy.

Right now, 218 million women around the world who want to avoid pregnancy are unable to access modern and effective contraceptives. They face barriers like a lack of information or support services, social stigma, resistance from partners or family members, and supply shortages.

Worldwide, these barriers contribute to over 121 million unintended pregnancies each year — and these unintended pregnancies can lead to death, disabilities, injuries, or infections.

When we help with family planning, we give women the power and agency to decide if, when, and with whom to have children. Family planning is central to gender equality and poverty reduction, enabling women to complete their education, pursue their career goals, and strengthen their economic security and well-being.

This work saves lives and ensures women and girls can reach their fullest potential. Will you make a donation to power family planning efforts and other lifesaving work around the world?

Thank you for supporting this critical work.

— USA for UNFPA