Picture: United Nations CICIAMS Nurse Delegates
and NACN-USA Members
Dr. Patricia Sayers, DNP, RN; Dr. Mimi Nowak, DNP, MPH, RN, CSN, FCN; Patricia Staley, RN; Maria Arvonio, BSN, MA (HCE), RN

Catholic Nurses Speak Truth to Power at UN Commission on Population and Development

The suppression of births over the last 50 years has resulted in cascading births and dangerous problems for millions of people. Age and family structures have been altered and too high a regard placed on the work force and economics rather than on the world’s greatest renewable resource- our children. The top age structure, is the over 65 group, which is increasing and offers benefits as well as challenges. On the bottom, is the birth decline, a reversible factor. In keeping with today’s theme, we offer the following statements regarding: (1) fertility (2) aging population and (3) replacement migration…

…In conclusion, we leave you with a quote from St Mother Teresa’s address to the United Nations at Cairo : “Let us bring the child back…The child is God’s gift to the family. Each child is created in the special image and likeness of God for greater things – to love and to be loved…This is the only way that our world can survive because our children are the only hope for the future. As older people are called to God, only their children can take their places.” (Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. September 5-13, 1994)