The Wire

When disaster strikes, Australia launches into action, providing essential relief. Only last year, when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal, Australians donated $13 million to the Red Cross. But what does international aid money buy? Food and water is the obvious answer, but in the rush to provide the essentials, important health issues are often forgotten.This means that women, who are disproportionately affected by disasters or crises, can be left without the help they need. Abortions can be a particularly useful tool in saving lives, but aid workers are faced with cultural and legal opposition in the countries they work in, as well as limitations in funding from international donors.