For Immediate Release:	July 26, 2001
For More Information:	Emily Felt, National Council of Jewish Women, (202) 296-2588
Sponsor Organization:	National Council of Jewish Women
In a special issue of its membership publication devoted solely to international family planning, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is mobilizing its members and others to oppose the global gag rule and to support family planning abroad.
Washington, DC – In a special issue of its membership publication devoted solely to international family planning, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is mobilizing its members and others to oppose the global gag rule and to support family planning abroad. The global gag rule prohibits aid to international family planning programs that provide abortion services, information or that advocate for legal abortion in their own countries with their own funds. Over the years, anti-family planning forces in Congress have delayed important foreign policy legislation over this issue. NCJW aims to counter this tactic with education and mobilization of grassroots activists. In this NCJW Journal, the summer issue of the organization's quarterly magazine, top experts and supporters in the field explore all aspects of international family planning. An expanded printing of the publication ensures that NCJW will be able to disseminate the Journal nationwide beyond its members. "Whether you are motivated by concern for public health, the survival of children, women's rights, or the environment, mobilizing support for international family planning without restrictions is crucial," said NCJW National President Jan Schneiderman. "NCJW is committed to making a difference on this critical issue." For the first time, the NCJW Journal includes a "pull-out" Action Guide, including sample letters to legislators and editors; answers to frequently asked questions; a resource list; and project ideas to help readers make a difference by working with other Jewish organizations, community and women's groups, and the media. NCJW's website, http://www.ncjw.org provides additional resources and instant links with Senators and Representatives so that individuals can make their views heard on the global gag rule. Featuring a cover photo of Miss Universe 2000 and an article written about her experiences as a UN Goodwill Ambassador on international family planning, the publication also includes first-hand accounts regarding family planning programs on several continents. "It became clear to us that most people in this country are unaware of how this issue impacts nearly every aspect of life in the developing world," Schneiderman explained. "The global gag rule threatens the very existence of these programs by imposing crippling restrictions that violate the democratic values that our foreign policy seeks to promote." NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms through research, education, advocacy and community service programs initiated by its network of 90,000 volunteers, supporters and members nationwide. ###