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The Hill's Congress Blog: Taxpayer Dollars Should Not Fund Abortions In Overseas Clinics

01/22/09

Washington, Jan 22 - 

Today, Congressman Lamborn posted a blog on "The Hill's Congress Blog" concerning Mexico City Policy.  The text of the post is below, as well as a link to the blog. 

Taxpayer Dollars Should Not Fund Abortions In Overseas Clinics (Rep. Doug Lamborn)

January 22nd, 2009 
As President Obama navigates his first few days in office, he will likely face pressure from many outside groups who advocate exporting abortion to developing countries. Known as Mexico City Policy, this policy was first developed during the Reagan Administration to establish a bright line between family planning activities and abortion in the United States foreign aid programs.
Last week I authored a bipartisan letter signed by 78 Members of Congress urging President Obama to keep in place this long-standing policy that prevents taxpayer dollars from funding abortions in overseas clinics.
What needs to be stressed is the fact that under Mexico City Policy, funding for family planning will not be reduced by one cent.
As the letter explains:
This policy simply ensures that taxpayer money is not used overseas to fund highly controversial abortion providers.
In addition, because many developing countries in the world already have laws prohibiting or restricting abortion, the United States should respect those existing laws.
The letter goes on to say:
We also have a responsibility to respect the laws of many developing countries who have laws prohibiting or restricting abortion. It is an insult to fund organizations that are intent on overturning those laws by promoting the Western ideology of abortion on demand.
The United States should be promoting a culture of life and an appreciation for the family unit. Healthy societies are built on the principle that human life is sacred and to actively undermine that key foundation should not be the intent or practice of U.S. foreign aid.
Not only is it inappropriate for the federal government to fund abortionists in the United States, but there is certainly no place for taxpayer-funded abortions overseas. Many Americans are not even aware that their hard-earned dollars are being exported to support this abhorrent practice.
The exportation of abortions is change we do not want.
To see a copy of this letter, click here.

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