March, 19 2010, 03:03pm EDT
Planned Parenthood Applauds Congresswoman Nita Lowey for Introducing the Global Democracy Promotion Act
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) today commended
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) for introducing the Global Democracy
Promotion Act of 2010 to bar future administrations from reinstituting
the so-called Mexico City policy, also known as the global gag rule,
which blocked access to basic health care for women worldwide. This
commonsense legislation firmly states that the U.S. government supports
women's health and freedom of speech abroad in the same way it does in
the United States.
WASHINGTON
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) today commended
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) for introducing the Global Democracy
Promotion Act of 2010 to bar future administrations from reinstituting
the so-called Mexico City policy, also known as the global gag rule,
which blocked access to basic health care for women worldwide. This
commonsense legislation firmly states that the U.S. government supports
women's health and freedom of speech abroad in the same way it does in
the United States.
"For decades, the global gag rule forced providers of women's health
care in the developing world to choose between receiving family
planning funding from the U.S. government and providing women with
abortion access, information or counseling," said PPFA President Cecile
Richards. "Through the Global Democracy Promotion Act, future
administrations would be prohibited from using the global gag rule to
force health care providers into making this dangerous choice. We
applaud Congresswoman Lowey for being an undisputed champion of women's
health and rights around the world and urge Congress to support this
measure, which will promote safe and effective family planning."
The global gag rule was first instituted by President Ronald Regan
in 1984 and has since been repealed and instituted by several
subsequent administrations. President Obama repealed the rule during
his first month in office. The frequent change in U.S. policy on
funding organizations that provide abortion access, information, or
counseling has caused vast confusion among foreign nongovernmental
organizations working in the reproductive health arena. The Global
Democracy Promotion Act would ensure that U.S. policy is consistent and
would allow foreign nongovernmental organizations to freely advocate
their views on reproductive health matters, using funds they generate
themselves, without fear of losing U.S. government support.
Planned Parenthood's commitment to reproductive health and rights
extends around the world. Having worked overseas for nearly 40 years,
Planned Parenthood has seen firsthand the terrible consequences arising
from inadequate access to reproductive health care, including
unnecessary maternal deaths. In 11 countries, Planned Parenthood
supports local organizations that provide high-quality health care to
women; demonstrate innovative ways to increase access to health care
for women and adolescents; and advocate for laws, policies, and funding
that ensure access to women's health care and information. Planned
Parenthood has supported the vital work of these organizations with
more than $2.5 million in grants last year alone.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is many things to many people. We are a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital health care services, sex education, and sexual health information to millions of women, men, and young people.
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