January 15, 2002

George W. Bush, President of the United States

The White House

Washington, DC

Via Facsimile:  202-456-2461

Dear President Bush, 

Speaking on behalf of the national coalition of pro-choice people of faith, I commend the United States for keeping its commitment to fund family planning programs in developing countries. Family planning is an essential health care service that improves the health of women and families and reduces the need for abortion.

The issue now is U.S. funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which has come under criticism for its alleged activities in China. Various studies of China’s family planning program have documented its compulsory nature and the presence of coercion, but UNFPA has never been implicated in any coercive practices. Given this fact and the importance of family planning in health and abortion prevention, the Coalition strongly supports the full level of funding agreed upon by the House and Senate. We believe that  $34 million is a moderate, reasonable level of funding and that most mainstream people of faith would approve of that level.

We respectfully urge that you approve the full amount of funding for UNFPA agreed upon by the Congress. Thank you for your consideration of our point of view. Should you have questions, I am always ready to provide additional information.

Sincerely,

Reverend Carlton W. Veazey

President and CEO

Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice