It's that time of our lives again, when our presidents change along with the world we live in. I had a chance to go through last weekend's issue of The Wall Street Journal during my lunch break today, and this article in particular snatched my attention:
Obama Lifts "Gag Rule" on Family-Planning Groups
Now, what exactly is the "Gag Rule"? I asked myself the same question. Better known as the Global Gag Rule, Mexico City Policy, or the Mexico City Gag Rule, it is "an intermittent United States government policy that required all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive federal funding to refrain from performing or promoting abortion services in other countries" (Wikipedia.org). Politically speaking, Republican administrations adopt it while Democratic administrations rescind it.
President Obama altered the policy by lifting restrictions on international organizations that accept funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development. "In 2007, the agency spent $450 million on family planning and reproductive-health programs in more than 65 countries, such as making contraception more widely available" (Wall Street Journal). Obama did not increase the amount of money spent on family planning, but rather, made it more available by lifting restrictions and hoping to end "this stale and fruitless debate" (Wall Street Journal). Women health advocates, who were restricted from advocating, counseling, referring or offering abortion were pleased because this change will allow them to provide such services. On the other hand, Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee, feels that: "He is effectively guaranteeing more abortions by funding groups that promote abortion as a method of population control" (Wall Street Journal).
When I worked for the WIC Program, there were innumerable times when I would provide services for pregnant teenagers and thought: "I wonder if she had access to some kind of birth control." Most of the time, they didn't. I am a firm believer that PREVENTION is key for a lot of things. But I also feel that if you get yourself into trouble, it is your responsibility to take care of it, no matter the consequences. But then again I don't know, I'm not there.
What do YOU think of this policy change?
The Return of the "Global Gag Rule" - Obama ed.
Speak and Feed, AMERICA!
Dear ______,
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich
Lt. Governor Patrick 'Pat' Quinn
Representative Lou Lang
Representative Jan D. Schakowsky
Senator Roland Burris
President Barack Obama
Senator Ira I. Silverstein
As you enter a new legislative year filled with many challenges and opportunities, I urge you to support vital hunger relief programs that serve individuals, families, children, and seniors in need. There has been significant progress toward ending hunger across the nation and in Illinois, yet, there is still much work to be done and many opportunities remain for us to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
With the economy facing significant challenges and the cost of food and other basic necessities on the rise, more and more families are struggling to put food on the table. The number of men, women, and children turning to food pantries has increased dramatically in the past year. Working for the WIC Program for a little over a year from 2007-2008, I have personally noticed the gradual increase of the number of clients we provided nutrition services to daily. And to be frank, the majority of them needed more help than I was able to provide. On top of WIC services, I've noticed a number of them received food stamps and jumped at every opportunity to receive donated food. I am very hopeful for the changes that will be made and am very much looking forward to the future ahead of us.
As you make important policy and budget decisions this year, please consider the impact that a weak economy and high food prices is having on families and individuals in our community. In order to meet the rising need for food assistance, we must focus on improving and expanding vital nutrition programs that so many in our community need.
As someone that individuals and families turn to for help, you have a significant role to play in the fight against hunger and I urge you to do your part in the coming year. Thank you for your time and consideration and thank you in advance for your support of hunger relief programs that serve those in need. I look forward to hearing about your work in the fight against hunger in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Monica
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Images from the Chicago Food Depository (http://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/)
