Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
United Press International - November 23, 2005
The Center for Health and Gender Equity, a Washington-based health-policy advocacy group, said in a statement that on the eve of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, the administration has imposed a global gag rule on groups seeking funding for a large project to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
The gag rule, also known as the "Mexico City Policy," denies U.S. international family-planning funding to foreign non-governmental organizations that provide services such as safe abortions, counseling, referral, information on safe abortion and research on the effects of unsafe abortion, the center claimed.
CHANGE said it spotted the change in a request for applications issued Nov. 18 by the U.S. Agency for International Development for $193 million in grants for five years of programs in Kenya.
Women and girls make up 60 percent of those infected by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, the region hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic, and the rate of new infections is highest among women in their 20s and 30s in most countries of the region, the group said.
"Given these realities, this shift in policy goes beyond hypocrisy to sheer irresponsibility and complete disregard for the lives and welfare of women and girls worldwide," said CHANGE Executive Director Jodi Jacobson.
051123
UP051120
Copyright © 2005 - United Press International. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through United Press International, Permissions Desk, 1510 H St. N.W. Washington DC 2005. Main Phone Switchboard: 202-898-8000 FAX: 202-898-8057 or 202-898-8147 Email: info@upi.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .