Observers Expect Obama To Reverse Polices Blocking International Family Planning Aid

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Abortion;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 19 Nov 2008 - 7:00 PST

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Advocates on both sides of the abortion-rights debate believe that President-elect Barack Obama will issue an executive order early in his presidency to reverse the Bush administration's "Mexico City" policy or "global gag rule" -- which bans federal funding to international family planning programs that, with their own funds, provide abortion services or lobby their governments regarding abortion rights -- AFP/Yahoo! News reports. When President George W. Bush came into office in 2000, he immediately reversed Clinton's orders and froze funds to many family planning groups. Although the Obama administration has made no official announcement about ending the restrictions, "speculation is rife" that he will undo the policy, AFP/Yahoo! News reports. Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said, "We think there's going to be a change, and clinics will be allowed to again offer a full range of family planning services."

U.S. funds to the United Nations Population Fund, or UNFPA, also have been blocked since 2002, with the State Department saying the U.N. agency supports China's coercive abortion policies. Tait Sye -- a spokesperson for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America -- said that "UNFPA money goes towards things like family planning and contraception," adding that these services are essential in developing countries. Steven Mosher -- head of the not-for-profit Population Research Institute, which opposes abortion rights -- said UNFPA is "clearly, in our view, cooperating with China's one-child policy, which involves targets and quotas for abortions and sterilizations. We would like President Obama to weigh the evidence before he makes a decision" (Zeitvogel, AFP/Yahoo! News, 11/15).

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