Bush Expansion of Global Gag Rule Shameful, Says Population Action International
Washington, DC - August 28, 2003Today’s decision by the Bush Administration to extend the Mexico City Policy, also known as the Global Gag Rule, to State Department family planning programs has been strongly condemned by Population Action International (PAI).
“At a time when the powerful should be tearing down barriers to vital health services for the powerless, the Bush Administration erects yet another harmful and shameful wall,” says Population Action International (PAI) President Amy Coen.
The Administration confirmed its intention to shift its policy in a memorandum dated August 29 from President George W. Bush to Secretary of State Colin Powell. The announcement comes at a time when parts of the world are grappling with instability — the policy expansion is likely to have the most impact on refugee reproductive health programs.
Imposed by President Bush on his first day in office, the Global Gag Rule denies U.S. family planning funds to foreign non-governmental organizations that use other, non-U.S. funds to counsel, perform, or advocate around abortion. However, in reality, the Global Gag Rule is not about abortion but is a de facto ban on providing women with comprehensive reproductive health care.
“Does the Global Gag Rule help save and improve lives? Does it help the world’s poorest people? Does it prevent abortion? The answer to all these questions is ‘No.’ Indeed, extending the policy makes the situation even worse for some of the world’s most vulnerable people,” says Terri Bartlett, PAI’s Vice President of Public Policy.
Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.
