To honor mothers everywhere, I have sent a card to the special people in my life with the following message:

In honor of mothers and caregivers everywhere, I am sending a message to world leaders attending the G8 summit in Canada. I am asking for bold leadership to stop the preventable deaths of mothers and children around the world. For our generation and generations to come, now is the time to act boldly.

This year, an estimated 8.8 million children under five years old around the world will die—mostly from preventable causes—and over 300,000 women around the globe will die because of pregnancy or childbirth-related complications.

G8 leaders must lead the way through bold and urgent steps to end this tragedy. At the summit meeting this June, a commitment must be agreed upon to new and long-term funding for maternal and child health as part of a global action plan. Such action will help mothers everywhere be able to watch their children grow into well-nourished, educated, capable adults with access to basic services and a voice in their futures.

President Obama, leadership by the U.S. in both commitment and funding is essential to improving the lives of millions of women, children, families and their societies. Your expressed commitment to maternal and child health is essential. Please act boldly.

To honor mothers everywhere, I have sent a card to the special people in my life with the following message:

In honor of mothers and caregivers everywhere, I am sending a message to world leaders attending the G8 summit in Canada. I am asking for bold leadership to stop the preventable deaths of women and children around the world. For our generation and generations to come, now is the time to act boldly.

This year, an estimated 8.8 million children under five years old around the world will die—mostly from preventable causes—and over 300,000 women around the globe will die because of pregnancy or childbirth-related complications.

G8 leaders must lead the way through bold and urgent steps to end this tragedy. At the summit meeting this June, a commitment must be agreed upon to new and long-term funding for maternal and child health as part of a global action plan. It also requires reversing the decision to freeze Canada’s aid budget. Such actions will help mothers everywhere be able to watch their children grow into well-nourished, educated, capable adults with access to basic services and a voice in their futures.

Mr. Harper, you've promised to make maternal and child health a priority at the summit. Mothers, care-givers, children and concerned citizens across Canada support that decision. Please act boldly.

To honor mothers everywhere, I have sent a card to the special people in my life with the following message:

In honor of mothers and caregivers everywhere, I am sending a message to world leaders attending the G8 summit in Canada. I am asking for bold leadership to stop the preventable deaths of women and children around the world. For our generation and generations to come, now is the time to act boldly.

This year, an estimated 8.8 million children under five years old around the world will die—mostly from preventable causes—and over 300,000 women around the globe will die because of pregnancy or childbirth-related complications.

G8 leaders must lead the way through bold and urgent steps to end this tragedy. At the summit meeting this June, a commitment must be agreed upon to new and long-term funding for maternal and child health as part of a global action plan. We also need leadership in expanding overall aid budgets. Such actions will help mothers everywhere be able to watch their children grow into well-nourished, educated, capable adults with access to basic services and a voice in their futures.

Mr. Harper, as the chair of this year’s G8 summit, you've promised to make maternal and child health a priority. Mothers, care-givers, children and concerned citizens around the world are behind you in this. Please act boldly.