Update: U.N. Population Fund Gets Boost in U.S. Support

For the latest coverage, click here. For more information: Sandra Jordan, USAID Sarah Craven, U.S. Committee for UNFPA

Dec. 20 - The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed a $34 million appropriation for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a $12.5 million increase from last year. The funds were approved as part of the fiscal year 2002 Foreign Operations Appropriation.

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-Manhattan/Queens), who introduced a bill this year to increase funds to the UNFPA, said, “These funds work directly to save women’s lives and keep children and families healthy. The funding increase is great news for literally millions of people around the world who will benefit from the UNFPA’s work to reduce unintended pregnancies, prevent abortions, stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, and help countries develop more stable economies. A thirty-five percent increase in U.S. support for the UNFPA was definitely the right thing to do and certainly sends the message that America is committed to helping others.”

“The increase in UNFPA funding reflects the importance and quality of UNFPA's work, not only for family planning but to combat HIV/AIDS and help the people of Afghanistan,” said Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Queens/Bronx), ranking member of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee. “However, we cannot excuse those extremists who have held up this bill for weeks in opposition to this funding. While millions of the poorest people around the world await U.S. foreign assistance that could mean life or death, we wasted too much time in dispute over this critical program. The fact that these delay tactics are not surprising makes them no less abhorrent.”

Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-Queens/Bronx), a Member of the Committee on International Relations, said, “I am pleased that Congress has approved $34 million for the United Nations Population Fund. This strong bi-partisan support from Congress and the President recognizes that improving the health of women and children in the developing world is now more important than ever. As the United States and our allies work to re-build a civil society in Afghanistan and extend stability throughout South and Central Asia, UNFPA can play an important role in improving healthcare and quality of life for women and children in the region.”

The increase in funds will help the UNFPA provide effective modern contraception for nearly 1.6 million women in low-income countries, prevent 780,000 unintended pregnancies, prevent 365,000 unwanted births, help women avoid over 312,000 abortions, prevent thousands of maternal and child deaths, reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS infection in dozens of high-risk countries, and help poor countries develop stable economies. Maloney, Lowey, and Crowley thanked Rep. Jim Kolbe (AZ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Senator Patrick Leahy (VT), Chairman of the Senate Appropriation’s Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, and other members of the House and Senate for their leadership in supporting the UNFPA.

CONTACT:
Phil Craft (Rep. Maloney) (202) 225-7944
Elizabeth Stanley (Rep. Lowey) (202) 225-6506
Josh Straka (Rep. Crowley) (202) 225-3965

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