For Immediate Release:	February 16, 2006
For More Information:	Chris McCannell, Office of U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley, chris.mccannell@mail.house.gov, (202) 225-3965
Sponsor Organization:	Office of U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley
Congressman Joseph Crowley asks Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, "Why would the Administration refuse to support such effective work in expanding human rights in China?"
Washington, DC - Today at the Committee on International Relations Congressman Joseph Crowley, the lead author of legislation to fund the United Nations Population fund asked Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice the following question: "For several years now, the Administration has used the fact that UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund has a small pilot program in China as justification for withholding all U.S. support. A recent report makes clear that UNFPA's work to move China away from targets, quotas and birth limits is having an impact. In Changjiang County, one of 30 rural counties in which UNFPA works, the lifting of birth limits has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of abortions and a more balanced sex ratio among newborns. In short, UNFPA's program has resulted in fewer abortions and more baby girls. And UNFPA's success here is spreading. More than 800 counties have now voluntarily adopted the UNFPA model on their own. The small pilot program is beginning to have a national impact and is leading to more choice, more freedom and less coercion. Why would the Administration refuse to support such effective work in expanding human rights in China? And will this information have any impact on the administration's determination on funding for the current fiscal year? " In her response, Secretary Rice said that she believed that UNFPA has previously supported coercive programs in the People's Republic of China and it was justified for them to be subject to the Global Gag Rule prohibiting funding. In a follow up question from Congressman Joseph Crowley on whether or not Secretary Rice supports the ideals of UNFPA (which previous Secretary of State Colin Powell stated he did in response to a similar question), Secretary Rice said, "as a general matter, yes".