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News From Capitol Hill:
The "Focus on Family Health Worldwide Act" (HR 4188) was introduced in the House of Representatives in early November. Sponsored by Representatives Betty McCollum (D-MN), Jim Ramstad (R-MN), James Oberstar (D-MN) and Christopher Shays (R-CT), the bill is a step in the right direction, towards much needed bipartisan support for international family planning, sustainable development and the health of women and families around the world. Since 1965, the U.S. has been providing assistance to developing countries to help couples achieve their desired family size with voluntary family planning programs. The Focus on Family Health Worldwide Act highlights voluntary family planning as an important element of U.S. foreign assistance. According to the sponsors of the bill, "this common sense, common ground approach will help keep mothers and children healthy, allows families to achieve economic security and reduces stress on vital natural resources. This five year authorization strengthens core USAID voluntary family planning programs, extending access in countries with enormous need and the world's poorest families." The Global Population and Environment Program will keep you posted on the future of the Focus on Family Health Worldwide Act as we work with coalition partners to garner more sponsorship and political support for the bill. For more information, contact Sarah Fairchild at sarah.fairchild@sierraclub.org Bush administration Denies Funding to the United Nations Population Fund, Again! To date, the Administration has withheld $127 million in funds already appropriated by Congress. One year's withheld funding of $34 million could prevent as many as 2 million unwanted pregnancies and 4,700 maternal deaths in developing countries. Read more and write a message to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice letting her know that you believe the U.S should fund UNFPA! http://www.sierraclub.org/population/population_fund.asp What's Happening in the States:Federal Funding for Abstinence-Only Programs in Maine Refused! In September, Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) decided to decline $161,000 in federal funds for abstinence-only sex education programs. Maine is the third state in the country after Pennsylvania and California to refuse federal money for abstinence-only education. According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, since 1996, $135 million a year, totaling nearly $1 billion, has been spent on abstinence-only programs. These programs are not scientifically accurate and are leaving youth in the U.S. unprepared, unsafe and in the dark. Meanwhile, NO federal dollars are being invested in comprehensive sex education. To find out more about why Sierra Club advocates for comprehensive sex education, get updated on current legislation and learn how to get involved in your state, contact Sarah Fairchild at sarah.fairchild@sierraclub.org Read our factsheet
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