Improving Access to Reproductive Health is Key to Development, Security and Human Rights for All

"We applaud the U.N. Secretary General's recognition of the fact that the Millennium Development Goals are only part of an even larger development agenda. His call for wealthy nations to make an investment in development by way of improving access to reproductive health services and the supplies needed to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic is critical.

This is the second report in less than two weeks that urges wealthy countries to do more. Money matters and policies count. It is time for the Bush administration to join the international community and work to implement these bold reforms.

The Secretary General should be lauded for mentioning the indisputable role that civil society plays. As a nongovernmental organization with an international scope and purpose, Population Action International looks forward to the General Assembly's response to the Secretary General's recommendation of fully and systematically engaging civil society in the development agenda."

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.