PAI Observes International Youth Day
August 12, 2002
In honor of International Youth Day, Population Action International is joining District of Columbia Mayor Anthony A. Williams in commemorating the work being done by local youth advocates to promote international youth reproductive health and rights. As the largest generation in the history of the world matures, it is critical that their reproductive needs be addressed. It is even more important for these young people to speak for themselves about the issues that impact their lives.
PAI Appalled by White House Decision to Deny UNFPA Funds
July 22, 2002
Politics triumph over fact in dispute over China programs
Population Action International today expressed deep disappointment at the Bush Administration's decision to deny funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), bringing to a bitter end the 7-month saga over the U.S.'s $34 million contribution.
UNFPA Contribution Status Update
May 24, 2002
In December 2001, the House and Senate agreed to provide $34 million to UNFPA in the FY 2002 foreign operations bill, $9 million above the President's request. The conference report passed the House, 377 to 66, and by a voice vote in the Senate, and the President signed the bill on January 10, 2002. Funding has been frozen ever since due to unsubstantiated allegations by family planning opponents that UNFPA supports coercive family planning practices in China in violation of U.S. law.
PAI Dismayed by House Committee Vote Against UNFPA
May 16, 2002
PAI Deplores Campaign of "Fabrications & Distortions"
Population Action International today released the following statement by its President, Amy Coen, expressing strong disappointment that the House Appropriations Committee overturned an amendment that would have released current year funds to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and describing the allegations against the international agency as a "campaign of fabrications and distortions."
PAI Applauds House Committee Vote in Support of UNFPA
May 10, 2002
PAI Deplores Campaign of "Fabrications & Distortions"
Population Action International today released the following statement by its President, Amy Coen, praising the House Appropriations Committee for its efforts to release current year funds to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and describing the allegations against the international agency as a "campaign of fabrications and distortions."
Young People's Reproductive Health Needs Neglected
April 26, 2002
New PAI Report Finds Many Nations Still Reluctant to Tackle Major Health Issue
Iran is providing more consistent sexual and reproductive health education for young people than the United States, according to a new report profiling seven countries by Population Action International (PAI).
Senate Hearing on UNFPA:
February 28, 2002
Population Action International (PAI) described yesterday's Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing as a "first-step" toward a resolution of the on-going dispute between Congress and the White House over funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Senator Boxer Calls Hearing on UNFPA
February 22, 2002
Congress Urges White House to Honor Funding Agreement
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has called a Senate hearing for next Wednesday, February 27, to address the UN Population Fund's (UNFPA) program in China. In early January, the White House froze funds appropriated to UNFPA by Congress as part of the foreign assistance bill for fiscal year 2002, reacting to allegations by family planning opponents that UNFPA supports China's program of coercive abortion. This is the same UNFPA for which the White House requested $25 million last year, and to which the White House awarded an additional $600,000 last October for addressing women's health issues in Afghanistan. Congress approved $34 million for UNFPA in December 2001, in an agreement reached through extensive, bipartisan negotiations during the appropriations process. This move by the White House has already caused ripples of dissent on Capitol Hill - and nearly 130 members of Congress have signed a letter to the President urging him to honor the agreement they reached. The White House has the power to decide either to honor the congressionally appropriated amount and fund UNFPA at $34 million, to fund it at a lower level, or to not fund it at all. All signs indicate that a decision is imminent.
PAI Marks Anniversary of Global Gag Rule's Reinstatement
January 18, 2002
Policy contradicts efforts to strengthen women's rights, democracy
At a time when President Bush holds the fate of funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in limbo, Population Action International (PAI) this week also observes the one-year anniversary of President Bush's reinstatement of the global gag rule. The global gag rule prohibits overseas healthcare providers from speaking out on abortion-related issues and counseling on abortion, in their own countries with their own, non-U.S. funds. The administration's reinstatement of this policy, and the threat to UNFPA funding, both coincide with the January 22 anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion in the United States.
Bush Administration Poised to De-Fund UNFPA, Circumvent Congress
January 14, 2002
Family Planning Proponents Urge White House to Honor Funding Agreement
The Bush Administration last week indicated that it may reduce or deny funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the foremost UN agency involved in expanding access to family planning and maternal health care around the world, including in Afghanistan. The news comes within days of the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion in the United States, and can only be interpreted as an attempt by conservative, anti-abortion groups and lawmakers to derail U.S. international family planning efforts. High-ranking White House and State Department officials are scheduled to further discuss the matter this Wednesday.
