Mark Hatfield: “Before final passage, I would like to take the opportunity to explain further my concerns about several provisions in…”

“Before final passage, I would like to take the opportunity to explain further my concerns about several provisions in this bill. Restrictions on Population Planning Activities I am dismayed by the provision in this continuing resolution which restricts the funds that may be made available for our international population assistance program and the U.S. contribution to the United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA]. The proponents of this language know that it is extremely unlikely that an authorization bill will pass before the July 1, 1996 deadline. Therefore, the bill provisions restricting funding to 65 percent of fiscal year 1995 levels and the obligation of funds to monthly apportionments of 6.67 percent will go into effect. When this occurs, our international family planning efforts will be devastated. The result--more unintended pregnancies and more abortions. Let me give you a present day example. The former Soviet Union has the highest abortion rates in the world. In 1991, an estimated 12 to 15 million legal and illegal abortions were performed. The average woman will have between four and six abortions during her lifetime. Some women have as many as 20 abortions. This is appalling. Why do these countries have such high abortion rates? The answer--the unavailability of modern contraceptives.…”