For immediate release
December 9, 2014

Family Planning 2020’s Statement of Principles Strengthens Efforts to Expand Access, Secure Rights

Statement by PAI President and CEO Suzanne Ehlers

“Today, Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) released its Rights and Empowerment Principles for Family Planning. PAI played an instrumental role in the development of the statement of principles, and as co-lead of the Rights and Empowerment Working Group of FP2020, I am extremely proud of the initiative’s commitment to put human rights where they belong: at the center of all family planning efforts.

The ten principles—agency and autonomy, availability, accessibility, acceptability, quality, empowerment, equity and non-discrimination, informed choice, transparency and accountability, and voice and participation—are the bedrock on which all family planning programs should be built. As underscored by the tragic events in India last month, we must be always vigilant in bringing rights violations to light and prepared to fully address them when they occur. When fully embodied, we see the statement of principles as a catalyst for countries to respect, protect and fulfill reproductive rights.

And as FP2020 strives to provide family planning information and services to an additional 120 million women and girls, we must never forget that the only way to reach these women and girls in a sustainable way is to inform and empower them to claim their sexual and reproductive rights.

FP2020 is known as a global partnership. Today, we extend that partnership in its truest sense, to join with women and girls around the world in realizing their own rights and becoming champions to protect these rights in their communities.”

Contact: Danielle Zielinski, Senior Communications Officer
Email: dzielinski@popact.org
Tel: 202-557-3426

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