Take Action: Bush Administration Poised to Eliminate Family Planning Funds
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Ignoring the wishes of Congress and overwhelming support of the American public, the Bush Administration held up $34 million in funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The $34 million was agreed to by large bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate in late December. In fact, the president himself requested $25 million for UNFPA when he submitted his budget last year. UNFPA is the largest international agency involved in expanding access to family planning and maternal health care around the world, and is leading the effort to address the critical reproductive health needs of women in Afghanistan. In November, this administration gave an emergency grant for UNFPA’s work providing reproductive health services and supplies to Afghan women in refugee camps in the region. And Secretary of State Colin Powell testified to Congress pledging support for UNFPA. Family planning foes in the House are urging the Bush administration to defund UNFPA. The loss of those funds would significantly undermine the global efforts of the agency. For example, $34 million would prevent almost 800,000 abortions, 4,700 maternal deaths and the death of 77,000 children under 5. A final decision could be made any day, please help now by sending an e-mail or making a phone call to the White House urging Bush to fully fund UNFPA. You can call the White House at (202) 456-1414 or e-mail. |
