Improving the health of women in developing countries: the time is now.

The health problems of women in developing countries remain far too low on the international community's list of priorities. Progress can be made toward decreasing maternal mortality in resource-poor countries without sizable new research efforts. Strategies include improving access to emergency obstetric care and family-planning services. Reducing maternal mortality rates by 75% is one of the key Millenium Development Goals. Making women's health a priority will improve the outlook for women in the developing world.