Jim Langevin: “I understand that you have included a provision in the underlying bill that makes certain exemptions for contraceptives…”

“I understand that you have included a provision in the underlying bill that makes certain exemptions for contraceptives from the Mexico City policy. I further understand that the intent of this provision is to allow international nongovernmental organizations, otherwise known as NGOs, to receive U.S.-donated contraceptives for distribution to the poorest men and women in the poorest regions of the world. As the chairwoman knows, I do not support providing direct funding to international NGOs that do not adhere to the Mexico City policy. I have concerns that the language, as it is currently drafted, could be interpreted more broadly than intended and could be construed to permit not only the provision of contraceptives, but also the provision of funding directly to organizations that perform or advocate for abortions.”