The U.S. services proposal may deepen and widen the negative effects of privatization for women. In addition, privatizing basic services will affect women consumers who cut back on doctor s visits, schooling or other basic needs if the cost becomes too great. Water may be privatized as part of the FTAA, which has serious health implications for women and children. In many countries, women and girls spend an estimated 40 billion hours every year hauling water from distant and frequently polluted sources. If the price of water is too high for poor families as a result of privatization, women may resort to either rationing water for their families or substituting unsanitary water for clean water when necessary.
Unclean water is a leading cause of child mortality and illness in developing countries.
To pay her water bill, she had to reduce the amount spent on food and clothing for her family.