World's Women Deserve Basic Human Rights
Washington, DC - March 2, 2005Population Action International (PAI) is calling on the Bush administration to reaffirm United States support of an international agreement on women’s health and rights that is currently under review at the United Nations in New York.
“President Bush has declared the United States to be the world’s beacon of freedom and democracy and that he wants to share those values with other nations. This week is an opportunity for the United States to deliver on this vision, and help women the world over live healthier, wealthier, and safer lives,” said Amy Coen, President of PAI.
The agreement under review, the Beijing Platform of Action, was ratified by 189 countries – including the United States – at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. It calls on country governments to, among other things, provide universal education for girls, expand access to reproductive health services, and end gender-based violence and discrimination.
Administration officials have indicated that the United States would like to support reaffirmation of the Beijing agreement, but that it would not be able to accept current language concerning “reproductive health services,” which they believe could be construed to make abortion a fundamental right.
“Since the beginning of its second term the Bush administration has made some very public attempts to repair damaged international relationships,” stated Coen. “Another positive step in this process would be for the United States to reaffirm its support for the Beijing Platform for Action.”
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.
