On September 7th, for the sixth year in a row, the Bush Administration announced its decision to withhold the money appropriated by Congress to UNFPA. This makes $195 million denied to proven programs that reduce maternal mortality, provide millions of women with family planning and prevent the spread of HIV.
By making this decision, President Bush has decided once again that the lives, health, and dignity of women around the world are less important to him than a rigorous anti-contraception social agenda. He has also ignored the will of the 2500+ individuals below who signed the "Release the Funds" petition this summer.
The fight for next year's funding isn't lost yet. To find out more about the advocacy and outreach activities we're pursuing to change the Administration's policy or persuade Congress to override it, visit our One Woman Can campaign. It may take as little as one more Senator taking up our cause to give us the victory we seek.
The $34 million appropriated by Congress to UNFPA for this year could have prevented as many as 27,000 maternal deaths or provided enough contraception to allow 12 million women to delay their first or next pregnancy. The $40 million appropriated for next year could do even more. But President Bush's refusal to release the funds, coupled with his hard-line support from Senators like Sam Brownback, means that this won't happen unless we get one more Senator to hear our call for change.
If you would like to join our efforts, become a friend of Americans for UNFPA today. You can also make a symbolic donation to show your disapproval of the President's decision to withhold $195 million from UNFPA, and of the 48 U.S. Senators who allow him to get away with it.
0-25 of 2529 signatures
Number
Date
Name
Customize your signature! Tell President Bush why the health and dignity of women everywhere is important to you!
2529
March 17, 2008
Mitch
2528
December 16, 2007
Cecelia
2527
November 27, 2007
George
2526
September 09, 2007
Mira McAree
This issue is very important to me. Please release these funds.
2525
September 09, 2007
Jane Holland
2524
September 09, 2007
margaret beels
2523
September 09, 2007
Bamboo Solzman
Sincerely,
Bamboo Solzman and Eli Lewis
2522
September 08, 2007
Robert Hornberger
2521
September 06, 2007
Leigh Ellis
As a parent, as a child and as a citizen, I insist that you cease denying women the resources to ensure their health, safety and dignity. You have no right to force your personal beliefs on the world. Enough! Release these funds immediately.
In solidarity with the world,
Leigh Taylor Ellis
2520
September 06, 2007
Lynn Fibbiani
2519
September 06, 2007
Jan Sager
2518
September 05, 2007
Anonymous
2517
September 04, 2007
Lisa Biehl
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with 12 yrs of experience. I have also lived and worked in Egypt anf South Korea. As a very wealthy nation it is well within our ability to contribute funds to protect the health of less fortunate people in our world. Indeed it is the "Christian" thing to do. Please President Bush, release funds to UNFPA. Act on the "Christian" principles you espouse!!!
Thank you,
Lisa Biehl
2516
September 04, 2007
Sally Johnnes
2515
September 04, 2007
Nancy Merryman
2514
September 04, 2007
Brandon Gorringe
2513
September 03, 2007
Mary Ford
2512
September 03, 2007
kenneth tonge
Kenneth Tonge
2511
September 03, 2007
Dorothea Ottaviano
Dorothea C. Ottaviano
MSgt, Retired US Air Force
Proud American
Proud Mother of a daughter