PAI Marks Anniversary of Global Gag Rule's Reinstatement

January 18, 2002

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.

Ironically, this comes at a time when U.S. policy is focused on promoting democracy around the world, a critical component of which is elevating the status of women - especially in developing countries. This includes increasing women's access to education, economic opportunities, and comprehensive health care services. Such investments have never been more critically needed, as the Bush administration has appropriately recognized in highlighting the plight of Afghan women.

"Investments in women are investments in families and communities, which help build more peaceful, stable societies," said Amy Coen, President of PAI. "The gag rule is in clear conflict with efforts to foster democracy and advance women's rights and opportunities. Not only does this policy fly in the face of core American values of free speech, but it also undermines women's health and well-being."

Since 1973, it has been illegal for U.S. money to pay for abortion services overseas. Rather, U.S. international family planning assistance (including UNFPA funding) provides women in developing countries with vital reproductive health services, such as contraception, prenatal care, and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Already, more than a dozen family planning agencies in various developing countries (including Kenya, Nepal and Bangladesh) have sacrificed much-needed funding as a result of the gag rule, either to preserve their rights to participate in public policy debates, or to continue providing information and services to their clients that are legal in their own countries.

"It's just bad policy," said Wendy Turnbull, Legislative Policy Analyst at PAI. "The gag rule does nothing to reduce abortions. Rather, it reduces couples' access to modern, effective contraception, which helps them avoid unplanned pregnancy in the first place. Ironically, the gag rule is likely to lead to even more unsafe abortions and maternal deaths."

President Bush could deal yet another blow to countries in need of family planning assistance should he also decide to de-fund UNFPA, which helps 140 countries provide basic family planning and other reproductive health services. Last week, prompted by opponents of family planning, the Bush Administration froze the $34 million appropriated to UNFPA by Congress in the foreign operations spending bill, and signaled an intention to eliminate, or reduce funding for UNFPA. It should be noted that UNFPA does not promote or provide abortions.

"President Bush has said he supports international family planning, but his actions say otherwise," said Coen. "I hope he will follow up his alleged support with some concrete action: Fund UNFPA at the full $34 million level appropriated by Congress, and rescind the gag rule next year."

"Until then, the health and well-being of women - and the flourishing of democratic debate - are endangered," said Coen.

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.