Population Council Research that makes a difference

Action Alert: Call the Capitol Today
and Speak Up for Women and Families

Latta Amendment Would Eliminate All Funding for International Family Planning Programs in 2011

The Population Council joins other global health organizations in opposing an amendment introduced by Representative Bob Latta (R-OH) that would force the unprecedented elimination of $440 million for international family planning and reproductive health programs in 2011.

Here is why it’s so important for you to speak out:

• This amendment (No. 262) would have immediate and long-term devastating effects on women and families in the world’s poorest countries. Cutting U.S. funding for international family planning programs will result in an estimated 7.8 million more unintended pregnancies, 3.7 million additional abortions, 87,000 more newborn deaths, and 12,000 additional maternal deaths.
• Eliminating international family planning funding undermines our standing as a global leader. The United States has supported family planning services in developing countries for more than 40 years. These programs are cost-effective investments that save lives and promote the government’s diplomatic, development, and national security priorities.
• Numerous polls indicate that Americans overwhelmingly support overseas family planning programs, including 69 percent of Independent and Republican voters. People recognize that investing in family planning and reproductive health reduces unintended pregnancy and abortion and improves women’s health.
  
  

The House will vote on these critical women’s health and rights issues beginning as early as Friday, 18 February. Members of Congress need to hear today that you oppose defunding family planning programs. Call the Capitol switchboard today at 202-224-3121 (find your Congressperson here) and ask to be connected to your representative. Tell him or her to vote to preserve critical and lifesaving international family planning programs by opposing the Latta Amendment No. 262.

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About the Population Council
The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees.

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Media contact

Diane Rubino: drubino@popcouncil.org; +1 212 339 0617