In my opinion, our president is waging his own brand of terrorism on women in Africa and Asia. Actions taken by President Bush and his administration are leading to suppression of women's rights and denial of basic health services for women.
In July, Bush cut $34 million earmarked for the United Nations Population Fund. Cancellation of these dollars was precipitated by legitimate objection to China's one-child policy. However, the ramifications of this act are downright cruel. They include the cancellation of an emergency obstetric care program in Burundi, cancellation of plans for a midwife training program in Algeria, a center to fight AIDS in Haiti and a maternal mortality reduction program in India.
This administration is also attempting to block The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, an important treaty that would help prevent discrimination that often results in death of women. Bush is trying to undercut international health care conferences by purging all phrases such as "reproductive health services." Bush is prohibiting spending any American money destined for international family-planning efforts if they contain any information about abortion.
It is high time this administration ceases imposing its moral values on poor women in developing countries. Countless women and children are dying because of an administration that tries to appease extreme right-wing elements in this country.
Jay; H. Youmans
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Rochester;
