The global pro-life movement has just scored a small, indirect victory.
For years the United States Agency for International Aid has supplied some African nations with contraceptives, some of which are distributed by Marie Stopes International, a prominent international abortion provider.
Now , USAID has directed Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe not to provide MSI with US-funded contraceptives. The reason given is that MSI has worked with the Chinese government’s implementation of its one-child policy. This policy has, notoriously, often been implemented through coercive abortion and sterilizations. According to the Kemp-Kasten Amendment
any organization that “supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization” is prohibited from receiving American foreign aid. This law . . . has been used since 2002 to deny funding to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Although opponents of contraception will not care much for USAID’s reassurance that “the same amount of US-donated contraceptives would be distributed in the African nations by other groups,” no pro-lifer can fail to applaud further stigmatization of China’s brutal program.
While I have you, can I ask you something? I’ll be quick.
Twenty-five thousand people subscribe to First Things. Why can’t that be fifty thousand? Three million people read First Things online like you are right now. Why can’t that be four million?
Let’s stop saying “can’t.” Because it can. And your year-end gift of just $50, $100, or even $250 or more will make it possible.
How much would you give to introduce just one new person to First Things? What about ten people, or even a hundred? That’s the power of your charitable support.
Make your year-end gift now using this secure link or the button below.
