International Population Assistance and Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress
Abstract
Since 1965, U.S. policy has supported international population planning based on principles of volunteerism and informed choice that gives participants access to information on all methods of birth control. This policy, however, has generated contentious debate for over two decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. In 1984, controversy arose over U.S. population aid policy when the Reagan Administration introduced restrictions, which became known as the "Mexico City policy." The Mexico City policy denied U.S. funds to foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning, regardless of whether the money came from the U.S. government. Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush also banned grants to the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) because of its program in China, where coercive practices have been used. President Clinton resumed UNFPA funding and repealed the Mexico City policy in 1993. President George W. Bush, however, re-applied the Mexico City restrictions. Following a State Department investigation of family planning programs in China, the Administration suspended U.S. contributions to UNFPA on July 22, 2002, citing violations of the Kemp-Kasten amendment. This provision bans U.S. assistance to organizations that support or participate in the management of coercive family planning programs. The suspension of U.S. contributions to UNFPA has continued through FY2005. In his FY2006 Foreign Operations budget request, the President proposed $425 million for family planning programs, which included $25 million for UNFPA should the organization be eligible under the Kemp-Kasten provision. For the first time during the Bush Administration, the FY2007 budget includes less for family planning programs than the traditional $425 million request.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 06, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA484887
Entities
People
- Connie Veillette
- Larry Nowels
Organizations
- Library of Congress