Topic » U.S. Foreign Assistance
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The United States has supported family planning, reproductive health, and population programs as part of its foreign assistance program since 1965. Polls have consistently shown that 75 to 90 percent of Americans support international family planning programs, including 69 percent of Independents and Republicans. But while the demand has consistently increased, the U.S. funding level for family planning in 2010 is nearly 25 percent less than what it spent in 1995 (when adjusted for inflation).
PAI believes the U.S. should lead international efforts to meet the demand for family planning by appropriating $1 billion annually. The $1 billion figure is the U.S.’ fair share of the $6.7 billion investment needed to meet international family planning goals, and would accelerate progress on the U.N. Millennium Development Goals.
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Under Pressure: International Family Planning Faces Cuts from Sequestration and Budget-Slashing Mania
Non-defense discretionary spending makes up only 15 percent of the U.S. federal budget. And international family planning and reproductive health? Just .03 percent. Yet these programs are still targeted by Congress by disproportionate cuts, undermining one of our country’s most … Continue reading
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Infographic: The Dollars and Sense of Family Planning
Believe it or not, Americans spend more than $1 billion annually on potato chips. And while Ruffles may be delicious, this is arguably not the smartest way to spend our money. If we spent that same $1 billion on family … Continue reading
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From Miami to Peru: Taking Action for Women’s Health Everywhere
Earlier this week, Population Action International hosted an event — “Stories from Peru: Reproductive Health in Latin America” — in Coral Gables, FL. Senator Gwen Margolis (Democrat, FL-35) opened the evening by linking the issues that women face in developing countries to … Continue reading
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Family Planning Can Level the Playing Field for Women Everywhere
This post was originally a guest column for Women Deliver. Like many Americans, I just completed the annual ritual of filing my taxes. In the process, I noticed, as some of you might have, the box asking whether I wanted … Continue reading
Newsletter
President’s Budget Prioritizes International Family Planning
April 10, 2013 President’s Budget Request Continues to Prioritize Family Planning and Reproductive Health President Obama’s fiscal year 2014 budget request for international family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) proposes an important increase above the funding level just approved by … Continue reading
Press Release
Sequestration Could Mean Lost Opportunities for Millions of Women and Their Families Overseas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEQUESTRATION COULD MEAN LOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR MILLIONS OF WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES OVERSEAS Statement by Population Action International Director of U.S. Government Relations Craig Lasher “With Congress and the President unable to reach a deal yesterday, the … Continue reading
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Countdown to Sequestration: What Cuts Could Mean for International Family Planning
One week from today—unless Congress and the President reach a deal to avoid it—an across-the-board cut in federal spending will cause international family planning and reproductive health programs to lose tens of millions of dollars, resulting in the denial of … Continue reading
Newsletter
Cuts and Consequences for International Family Planning
Cuts and Consequences: What Sequestration Might Mean for International Family Planning Assistance One week from today—unless Congress and the President reach a deal to avoid it—an across-the-board cut in federal spending will cause international family planning and reproductive health programs … Continue reading
Newsletter
Election Outcome: What Family Planning Advocates Have To Be Thankful For
In this Thanksgiving season, supporters of international family planning programs have one thing to be truly thankful for—the 2012 election outcome. With the re-election of President Obama, advocates look forward to four more years of prioritized funding for overseas family … Continue reading
Newsletter
PEPFAR Takes Contraception Off the Table
The recently released Fiscal Year 2013 Country Operational Plan (COP) Guidance states in no uncertain terms that “PEPFAR funds may not be used to purchase family planning commodities” (page 52). As they have since the beginning of the program, PEPFAR … Continue reading