Jerry Nadler: “the State Department Authorization bill would place an international gag rule on organizations that use their own…”

“the State Department Authorization bill would place an international gag rule on organizations that use their own non-U.S. funds to provide abortion services. It also threatens to cut off $29 million from our international family planning efforts if the President attempts to defer the ban on funding to organizations that use their own private funds for abortion services. This policy is clearly unacceptable, and is not supported by the President or by the American people. Why? Because the American people understand that family planning is necessary, successful, and addresses a critical need. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 600,000 women die each year of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. International family planning efforts have been remarkably successful and have saved women's lives. I am shocked that proponents of these so-called ``Mexico City'' restrictions claim that our family planning programs actually increase the number of abortions, when, in fact, the exact opposite is true. Studies show that our efforts, as part of an international strategy, have prevented more than 500 million unintended pregnancies. International family planning improves women's health, helps reduce poverty, and protects our global environment. Our family planning programs save lives, and they should be continued without unnecessary restrictions.”