TO: |
HEALTH, EDUCATION,
INTERNATIONAL EDITORS & NEWS ASSIGNMENT DESKS |
Youth
Urge Immediate Repeal of Global Gag Rule
Restrictions
on Family Planning Services Jeopardize the Health and Lives
of Youth Worldwide
Students Available Immediately For Interviews
WHAT: |
The House International
Relations Committee today passed an amendment to
the State Department Authorization Act that repeals
the "global gag rule." The amendment,
introduced by Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA),
is a critical
step in ensuring that women and young people around
the world have access to the critical family planning
services they need to protect themselves from unintended
pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including
HIV/AIDS. When President Bush reinstated the "global gag rule" on
his first full day in office, he restricted the right of
free speech, access to family planning, and the ability of
all people to live safe and healthy lives," said Mai
Pham, a sophomore at George Washington University and a member
of the International
Youth Leadership Council. "I applaud the members
of Congress who are working to right the injustice inflicted
on my peers worldwide."
Members of the International
Youth Leadership Council of Advocates for Youth have
launched the yearlong "My Voice Counts" campaign
to mobilize students throughout the country to demand action
from the Bush Administration and Congress on the issues
of international family planning and global HIV/AIDS prevention. |
WHEN: |
Youth Council members
are available immediately for interviews
surrounding international family planning and global
HIV/AIDS and the impact on young people worldwide. |
WHO: |
Mai Pham,
Student, George Washington University and Member,
IYLC
Naina Dhingra, Student, George Washington University and Member,
IYLC
Sean Barry, Student, University of Maryland College Park and
Member, IYLC |
The "global gag rule" restricts family planning organizations
in countries that receive U.S. funds from using their own money to provide
abortion services, counseling or referrals, or to lobby their own governments
to change abortion laws.
The International Youth Leadership Council consists of a diverse group
of students from Washington, DC area colleges dedicated to educating
policy makers, the media and the American public about the importance
of increasing U.S. funding for international family planning and global
HIV/AIDS prevention. For more information on the campaign, visit www.advocatesforyouth.org/youth/.
###
NOTE
TO REPORTERS, EDITORS, AND PRODUCERS: To
set up an interview with a Youth Council member,
please contact Bill Barker at (202) 419-3420.
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