PAI Instrumental in Introduction of Contraceptive Supplies Bill

February 13, 2006

After intensive efforts to educate members of Congress about one of the most egregious unintended consequences of the Global Gag Rule, Population Action International (PAI) applauds the introduction of a bill to address the denial of contraceptives and condoms to couples who wish to use them. "The Ensuring Access to Contraceptives Act of 2006" (H.R. 4736), introduced in the House of Representatives on February 8, transcends political differences by offering a sound approach to reducing the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions among women in the developing world. Members of Congress with vastly different beliefs about abortion have agreed on the goals of this bill.

"I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan, common-sense legislation to allow U.S.-donated contraceptives to reach so many families across the globe," said Rep. Rob Simmons (R-CT), lead Republican sponsor of the bill. "The shortage of contraceptive supplies in developing countries has contributed to the already high rate of unintended pregnancies, resulting abortions, maternal and infant mortality and the deadly spread of HIV/AIDS. All women deserve access to safe and effective family planning resources to make the decisions that are appropriate for them and their families. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that these life-saving supplies are made available."

The bill exempts nongovernmental family planning providers from the restrictions of the Global Gag Rule with respect to USAID-donated contraceptives and condoms. The same eligibility criteria for receiving USAID-funded reproductive health supplies that is currently applied to foreign governments would be applied to NGOs. The bill also authorizes an additional $150 million annually for FY 2006-2007 for USAID to provide a reliable and sustainable supply of modern contraceptives and condoms in developing nations. This funding level is double the current amount spent by USAID on contraceptives.

"This bill will go a long way toward helping women in developing nations who desperately want to plan the size of their families but are unable to obtain basic contraceptives, an unimaginable situation for women in the U.S. who can find birth control at their corner drug store," said Terri Bartlett, PAI’s Vice President for Public Policy Strategic Initiatives. "We are also thrilled that USAID’s family planning program, with its proven track record, would have money and tools to do its job better."

In addition to Rep. Simmons, sponsors of the bill include: Reps. Dennis Moore (D-KS), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Judy Biggert (R-IL), Jim Oberstar (D-MN), Vic Snyder (D-AR), Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Michael Michaud (D-ME). A companion bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate in the coming weeks.