| 1. Title: Hillary Clinton takes up defense of U.S. aid for family planning overseas. Author: Cohen SA Source: WASHINGTON MEMO. 1996 Dec 20;(10):2-3. Abstract: In November 1996 during her address to the Sixth Conference of Wives of Heads of State and Government of the Americas in La Paz, Colombia, and in her weekly newspaper column, US first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton pledged her own and the Clinton administration's complete support for reversing the severe reduction in funds for the international family planning program imposed by the 104th Congress. This revelation reflected the administration's preparation for a strong and vocal defense of the international family planning program, which will be facing its greatest political test in February 1997. Bolivia has the highest maternal mortality rate in South America, and half the deaths are due to illegal, unsafe abortions. Mrs. Clinton presented a $2.25 million USAID award to a $5 million Pan American Health Organization program that aims to reduce maternal mortality. In her December 3, 1996, column, she used family planning campaigns in Bolivia as an illustration of sensible, cost-effective, and long-term strategies for improving women's health, strengthening families, and reducing the abortion rate. Such programs educate people about the benefits of birth spacing, breast feeding, good nutrition, prenatal and postpartum visits, and safe deliveries. Mrs. Clinton has also visited other poor countries to learn about the special needs and conditions of women's lives. UN Ambassador Madeleine Albright has recently been nominated to be the first female Secretary of State. Many people see her commitment to improving the status of women through development efforts and her recognition of the close relationship between development and diplomacy as encouraging. The concern and commitment of these two powerful women could prove valuable in the upcoming test for international family planning aid. Congress must vote on a resolution to approve Clinton's report that the reduced funding is having a negative impact no later than February 28. If both the House and the Senate pass the resolution, already appropriated funds will be released in March rather than in July. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | BOLIVIA | CRITIQUE | INFLUENTIALS | GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS | FOREIGN AID | FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS | FAMILY PLANNING POLICY | WOMEN | CHANGES | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Developing Countries | South America, Central | South America | Latin America | Knowledge Sources | Communication | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Family Planning | Programs | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Demographic Factors | Population | Social Change Document Number: 120393 |
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