NCJW Hails End of Gag Rule and Endorsement of UNFPA
January 23, 2009, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today hailed the end of the infamous "gag rule" which denied US government funds to agencies abroad that provided abortion services or information, even if they were paid for with other funds. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"On his third day in office, President Obama took an action that will save thousands, if not millions, of lives. His repeal of the global gag order, which barred foreign agencies that provided abortion services or even information about abortion from receiving US government aid, has had a grievous impact on family planning and AIDS prevention programs all around the world. President Obama is to be applauded for putting science first after eight years of an administration that elevated fundamentalist dogma to serve as US government policy.
"The rule has resulted in huge cuts in funding worldwide to organizations that provide family-planning services and basic health care. Many thousands of women have been deprived of contraception and other health services in poor countries, leading to unsafe abortions and countless preventable deaths.
"Additionally, we are very pleased that the president has taken this first critical step toward resuming the US contribution to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and a prompt release of those funds appropriated by Congress. We urge the president to continue leading the effort to ensure women’s access to vital reproductive health services."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org