Senate Committee Approves Amendment Overturning “Global Gag” Rule
WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate Appropriations Committee today passed an amendment authored by Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) to the FY 2011 State and Foreign Operations funding measure that would permanently overturn the “global gag” rule and provide access to family planning services for women around the world.
“Women’s reproductive health should be protected around the globe, not threatened by an ideological agenda,” stated Sen. Lautenberg, a member of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee. “It is time to permanently end the dangerous and harmful global gag rule and strengthen America’s position as an international leader for women’s rights.”
The Global Gag Rule denied financial aid from the United States for contraception and family planning services to any organization that used its own funding to perform or promote legal abortion. Upon taking office, President Obama reversed the rule by executive order, but the policy could be reinstated again by a future administration. The Lautenberg amendment codifies the elimination of this policy in law and makes it permanent.
Lautenberg’s amendment is co-sponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD).
Take Action. Tell your representatives in Washington to repeal the Global Gag Rule.
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