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Turlington Models a More Charitable Path

At 40, she's earning a master's and educating the world on maternity risks

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 15, 2009 1:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – Christy Turlington still considers modeling her work—“It’s the only thing that pays me; everything else is school or volunteerism,” the Columbia masters candidate, often described as one of the world’s most beautiful people, tells Vogue. “My face is a dime a dozen in many parts of the world.” Specifically, the developing countries she’s working to improve with an upcoming documentary on maternity risks.

Turlington, 40 and working on a degree in public health, learned about preventable childbirth risks around the world after dealing with a complication in her own pregnancy. She decided to take action, following mothers in Bangladesh, Tanzania, and Guatemala for next year’s documentary No Woman, No Cry. In the process, she impressed many, including one nonprofit director: “How can someone who’s been modeling since she was 14 be such a mensch?”

[Images (4)]

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This photo released by RED shows model Christy Turlington with some children orphaned by AIDS in Swaziland. (AP Photo)

This photo released by RED shows model Christy Turlington at an HIV support group, Hope Heals, while in Swaziland. (AP Photo)

This photo released by RED shows model Christy Turlington at an orphan care center in Swaziland. (AP Photo)

Model Christy Turlington and actor Ed Burns arrive for a gala, Jan. 31, 2008, in New York. (AP Photo)

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I'll buy a few things a year but not the trendiest, because I will never wear it beyond that one time; I can't justify that—honestly, I'd rather feed people. - Christy Turlington

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Turlington Models a More Charitable Path