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| Increase Funding for International Family Planning |
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With the largest generation of young people in global history coming of reproductive age, the need for global investments in family planning services is critical to ensure their sexual and reproductive health and rights are not ignored. Today, more than 200 million women in the developing world wish to delay, space, or complete childbearing, but do not have access to modern contraceptives. Worldwide, more young women die from pregnancy-related complications than from AIDS Under the leadership of the Bush administration, international family planning assistance, which can assist women in preventing unintended pregnancy, planning the size of their families, and spacing their children, has undergone a significant decrease in real dollars. Bilateral funding for family planning through USAID has not kept pace with inflation and U.S. multilateral funding under UNFPA has been denied. $1 Billion for International Family PlanningAdvocates supports increasing International Family Planning to $1 Billion in the Fiscal Year 2010. Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States has been a leader in international family planning assistance since the 1960s. However, during the last 13 years, U.S. funding for these crucial international programs has actually decreased by almost 40 percent. Supporters of international family planning are pushing for at least $1 billion in bilateral funding by the U.S. These funds are critical to support young people in their decisions to plan the size and spacing of their families. Take Action Now – Support the $1 billion for International Family Planning. Restore US Funding to UNFPA Update: On March 18th, 2009, President Obama sent a $50 Million payment to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), however Advocates supports the continued request for an additional $15 Million to complete the $65 million that is the United States' fair share contribution to UNFPA. |
