Bush Slashes Funding for Women and Families Around the World

President Bush’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2009, released earlier this month, would dramatically cut funding for international family planning and sexual and reproductive health programs. The proposed funding level of $327 million represents a devastating $134 million (or 29%) cut from current levels and, if it passes, will have far-reaching, negative effects on the millions of women around the world who desperately need family planning and reproductive health services and supplies.

“There is a huge and growing imbalance around the world. While increasing numbers of women are crying out for family planning and reproductive health services, the U.S. is giving less funding each year to help them and their families,” said Amy Coen, President of Population Action International (PAI). “We urge Congress to reject these cuts and boost funding for these programs which enable women to make choices that can create healthy, stable families.”

Read more about President Bush's proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget.

New Report Underscores the Need for Family Planning in PEPFAR Countries

Family planning and reproductive health programs are critical to the health and well-being of women, children and families around the world and are a key component of the success of HIV prevention programs and treatment programs. But, tragically, these life-saving programs are receiving declining support, endangering the future sustainability and success of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PAI’s latest report, U.S. HIV/AIDS and Family Planning/Reproductive Health Assistance: A Growing Disparity Within PEPFAR Focus Countries, explores the links between family planning and HIV prevention and advocates for increased support for family planning programs.

Read U.S. HIV/AIDS and Family Planning/Reproductive Health Assistance: A Growing Disparity Within PEPFAR Focus Countries

Join PAI's 2008 Study Tour to Mexico

PAI’s Study Tour to Mexico offers an exclusive opportunity to learn about the importance of family planning, reproductive health services, and the enhancement of women’s status for the improvement of individual well-being and the overall development of a country. With a combination of rural and urban health clinics, advocacy organizations, a fascinating political landscape and a variety of indigenous groups—as well as breathtaking scenery and Mayan and Aztec ruins—Mexico provides the perfect opportunity for exploring a rich cultural heritage while learning about some of the most pressing issues facing women, families and youth today.

To become a part of the Study Tour, contact PAI’s Special Initiatives Coordinator, Christine Bixiones, at cbixiones@popact.org, or (202) 557-3425

Read about PAI's advance trip to Mexico on our blog!

Earn extra money for PAI by searching the web and shopping online!

Thanks to two new websites, you have the power to earn money for Population Action International by doing the things you normally do online: searching and shopping!

GoodSearch.com, a search engine powered by Yahoo!, acts like any other search engine except for one critical difference—the site will donate a portion of its advertising revenue to a charity that you designate. Simply go to www.goodsearch.com and designate Population Action International as the charity of your choice. The more you use it, the more PAI will benefit!

But using the search engine isn't the only benefit. The GoodSearch site also brings you to a new online shopping mall, GoodShop.com. If you decide to make a purchase at one of the stores listed on GoodShop.com, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to the charity of your choosing.

Check it out - and shop away!

For more information, go to www.goodsearch.com.

Support PAI By Making an Online Donation!