A United States invasion of Iraq will most hurt women and children, Dr. Fathieh Saudi of MADRE, an international women's rights organization, told listeners in the 4th floor Old Main lounge Tuesday.

Saudi spoke as part of the Women's and Gender Studies series, Feminist Responses to War. She emphasized the importance of humanitarian efforts that ensure food and medicine reach women.

The 1992 Gulf War and United Nations subsequent sanctions led to widespread hunger and disease in Iraq, she said. "Over one million children died as a result of sanctions," she said. Already vulnerable, she warned that Iraqi children will die of starvation, dehydration and disease if their country is attacked

"Women are responsible for those made most vulnerable by war: children, the sick and elderly people," she said.

MADRE, a New York-based organization with programs throughout the world, launched the Milk and Medicine program in Iraq after the Gulf War. Saudi said the program continues to deliver food aid and medical assistance throughout Iraq.

Over 15 million people in Iraq rely on relief from the United Nations Oil for Food program, said Saudi. The program, instituted in 1996, allows the Iraqi government to exchange crude oil for food aid.

The Oil for Food program fails to meet the needs of Iraqi children, said Saudi. It does not provide fruits, vegetables, meat or milk for children over one. Fifty percent of Iraqi babies have low birth weight and 30 percent of children are severely malnourished, she said.