3 June 2009 - Abortion and overseas aid

 

Senator Ron Boswell has called for accountability over the overseas aid funding being used for abortion. Here are extracts from his media release:
CONCERN OVER ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AUSAID ABORTION FUNDING

"Australia needs to know how much money goes to which overseas countries for abortion related services under new AUSAID guidelines," said The Nationals' Senator Ron Boswell today.
"At Senate Estimates today I was told by officials that these funds would be allocated in block grants to non-government organisations working in several countries and that it would be impossible to know exactly what money was spent in which country for abortion services."

"Under soon to be finalised new guidelines, Australia will for the first time in its history fund overseas counselling and training for abortions and even the abortions themselves. Abortion is a serious and sensitive issue and I believe it is essential that Australians know exactly what money is spent where and for what abortions and related activities including promotion of abortion."

We support Senator Boswell's call for accountability - especially since the lobby groups that called for this funding (Australian Reproductive Health Alliance and Planned Parenthood) actively perform abortions.