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Family Planning [Folder 2]
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Melanne Verveer's Subject Files
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
Adrienne Germain to Melanne Verveer [partial] (1 page)
02/03/1999
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 20031
FOLDER TITLE:
Family Planning [Folder 2]
2013-0534-S
rc1503
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
09-30-98 19:13 FROM: POPULATION ACTION
ID:2022931795
PAGE
1/6
file family
FAX TRANSMISSION
planny
To:
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
The White House
456-6244
From:
Craig Lasher
Population Action International
Subject:
Copy of a Letter to House-Senate Conferees on the Global Gag Rule
Date:
September 30, 1998
Attached is a copy of a letter mailed today to likely House and Senate conferees on the foreign
operations appropriations bill opposing the inclusion of the global gag rule provision in the
omnibus spending bill. The letter urges the conferees to reject the global gag rule and to support
the Senate position on family planning, free speech, and democracy.
The 46 organizational signatories on the letter represent a broad cross-section of groups and have
been drawn from the public health, civil liberties, women's rights, religious, population, and
environmental communities.
Please do not hesitate to call me at (202) 659-1833 if you have any questions.
09-30-98 19:14 FROM: POPULATION ACTION
ID:2022931795
PAGE
2/6
September 29, 1998
The Honorable Bob Livingston
Chairman
House Appropriations Committee
Capitol H-218
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairman Livingston:
We, the undersigned, represent millions of Americans who care deeply about the United
States' international obligations and responsibilities. Many of our organizations work overseas,
in partnership with the U.S. government, as well as with U.N. agencies, to further worldwide
hurnanitarian goals and U.S. interests. We strongly support the United States meeting its full
financial obligations to the United Nations. Earlier this year, however, we wrote to the president
and, regretfully, urged him to veto H.R. 1757, the Foreign Affairs Reform Act-whenever he
receives it-because of the global gag rule provision that would severely undermine a core
principle of U.S. foreign policy.
As you begin deliberations to resolve the differences between the House and Senate-
passed versions of the FY 1999 foreign aid appropriations bill, we must point out to you that the
House-passed "gag rule" restriction affecting international family planning assistance in
this bill is even more onerous than the one contained in H.R. 1757. This new version would,
by force of law in the statute itself, define "lobbying" far more broadly than any existing
understanding of the term. Under H.R. 1757, the same definition would apply but it is contained
in the "statement of managers" rather than the statutory language.
The measure's restrictions on freedom of speech are unacceptable as a matter of principle
and policy because it is intended to muzzle private, nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations in
other countries. As a condition of eligibility for receiving U.S. family planning funds, foreign
NGOs-using their own non-U.S. funds-would be barred not only from "overt" lobbying but
also from sponsoring "conferences or workshops on the alleged defects of the abortion laws, as
well as drafting and distribution of materials or public statements calling attention to such
alleged defects."
Secretary of State Albright said it best at a Congressional hearing earlier this year: It is a
"gag rule. that would punish organizations for engaging in the democratic process in foreign
countries and for engaging in legal activities that would be protected by the First Amendment if
carried out in the United States."
09-30-98 19:14 FROM: POPULATION ACTION
ID:2022931795
PAGE
3/6
This policy violates democratic principles and would be firmly rejected as
unconstitutional if applied in the United States. It is not a policy that should be foisted on other
nations. Many of our organizations have direct experiences with the implementation of public
health programs in the United States and overseas.
The facts are:
USAID resources do not fund abortions;
Levels of funding approved by Congress for family planning have been
cut drastically since 1995; and
The practical impact of the global gag rule is enormous.
Proponents claim the gag rule will have little effect. This is simply not true.
If a family planning organization in Bolivia is receiving U.S. support for its programs
and, for example, published a paper noting that Bolivia has the highest maternal mortality rate in
all of Latin America, largely as the result of illegal, unsafe, botched abortions, it would amount
to drafting a paper "calling attention" to "defects" in Bolivia's abortion law.
If the head of a group receiving U.S. aid that offers only natural-method family planning
gave a radio interview urging opposition to her country's plan to liberalize its abortion law, she
would be violating the ban on a "public statement."
In South Africa, where safe, legal abortions were available to white women but beyond
the reach of most black women under apartheid, President Nelson Mandela in 1996 asked
Dr. Helen Randera-Rees, director of the Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa
(PPASA), for her help. He wanted to draft a law easing such administrative hurdles as a
requirement for approval by two doctors, one of whom must have been in practice for at least
four years. She helped to draft that law, and it was enacted. Under the pending U.S. measure,
PPASA would have lost its U.S. support because Dr. Randera-Rees responded to Mandela's
request.
And most recently, in Mexico, a national debate on reforming the law on abortion is
occurring. NGOs in Mexico-where 1500 maternal deaths are attributed to illegal abortion
annually-would be disqualified from U.S. family planning aid if they dare to participate in the
national debate. Even Guadalajara's Cardinal Juan Sandoval commented that, while he does not
wish to see the law changed, "it's good to raise the discussion. We are in a democratic
society..." (Boston Globe, July 29, 1998). The debate is going on in Mexico, among Mexicans
with non-U.S. funds.
We believe that the bill as enacted would lead to more, not fewer, abortions worldwide,
because it would cut $44 million in funding for family planning, which has proved repeatedly to
be the single most effective means of reducing the number of abortions.
09-30-98 19:14 FROM: POPULATION ACTION
ID:2022931795
PAGE 4/6
The measure imposes a minority American political position on other nations' private
organizations, rather than letting them decide what is best for their own country. It tramples upon
those countries' medical standards, their political practices and their right to decide their own
futures, and it drastically narrows the reproductive health options available to hundreds of
millions of women.
Some of us who have signed this letter are pro-choice while others take no position on the
question of abortion, but we all stand firmly behind family planning, safe motherhood, free
speech, and maternal and child health programs.
Equally important, we are Americans who take very seriously our country's deeply held
democratic values. The pending measure directly contradicts the most basic of those values: free
speech, access to the political process and the right to petition the government for a redress of
grievances. The global gag rule turns its back on 222 years of U.S. history and the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
For these reasons, we urge you to reject the gag rule and support the Senate position on
family planning, free speech and democracy.
Sincerely yours,
James Wagoner
Nan Aron
President
President
Advocates for Youth
Alliance For Justice
Sandy Bernard
Laura W. Murphy
President
Director, Washington National Office
American Association of University
American Civil Liberties Union
Women
Richard A. Levinson, M.D.
Amy E. Pollack, M.D., M.P.H.
Associate Executive Director for
President
Programs and Policy
AVSC International
American Public Health Association
Peter D. Bell
Frances Kissling
President
President
CARE
Catholics For a Free Choice
Janet Benshoof
Peggy Curlin
President
President
Center for Reproductive Law and
Centre for Development and
Policy
Population Activities
09-30-98 19:15 FROM: POPULATION ACTION
ID:2022931795
PAGE 5/6
Jill Sheffield
Eleanor Smeal
President
President
Family Care International
Feminist Majority
Nils Daulaire, M.D.
Jill Merrick
President & CEO
Director of Communications & Public
Global Health Council-NCIH
Policy
International Center for Research on
Women
Marcia Townsend
Adrienne Germain
Deputy Regional Director
President
International Planned Parenthood
International Women's Health
Federation-Western Hemisphere
Coalition
Region
Phyllis T. Piotrow
Joel Lamstein
Professor and Director
President
Center for Communication Programs
John Snow, Inc.
Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Catherine Crone Cobum
Kate Michelman
President
President
Management Sciences for Health
National Abortion and Reproductive
Rights Action League
Joan E. Bertin
The Reverend Joan Brown Campbell
Executive Director
General Secretary
National Coalition Against Censorship
National Council of Churches
Nan Rich
Judith M. DeSamo
National President
President & CEO
National Council of Jewish Women
National Family Planning and
Reproductive Health Association
Patricia Ireland
Kathryn Rodgers
President
Executive Director
National Organization for Women
NOW Legal Defense & Education
Fund
Judith L. Lichtman
Marcia Greenberger
President
Co-President
National Partnership for Women
National Women's Law Center
and Families
09-30-98 19:15 FROM:POPULATION ACTION
ID:2022931795
PAGE 6/6
Helen Rodriguez-Trias, M.D.
Daniel E. Pellegrom
Co-Director
President
Pacific Institute for Women's Health
Pathfinder International
Carole Shields
Gloria Feldt
President
President
People For The American Way
Planned Parenthood Federation
of America
Amy Coen
Margaret Catley Carlson
President
President
Population Action International
Population Council
David J. Andrews
Richard Frank
President
President
Population Communications
Population Services International
International
The Reverend Elenora Giddings Ivory
Gordon W. Perkin, M.D.
Director
President
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
Program for Appropriate Technology
Washington Office
in Health
The Reverend Carlton W. Veazey
Carl Pope
President and CEO
Executive Director
Religious Coalition for Reproductive
Sierra Club
Choice
Jeannie I. Rosoff
Warren Leon
President
Deputy Director for Programs
The Alan Guttmacher Institute
Union of Concerned Scientists
Dr. Thom White Wolf Fassett
Mim Kelber
General Secretary
Interim President
General Board of Church & Society
Women's Environment and
United Methodist Church
Development Organization
Prema Mathai-Davis
Peter Kostmayer
CEO
President
YWCA of the U.S.A.
Zero Population Growth
VILLAGE
2/3
TALKING IT OVER
BY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The pregnant woman wore an alpaca shawl over her blouse and full skirt, the
traditional Indian dress in Bolivia. She looked about 35 and was attending a prenatal
class at a health clinic I visited this week in the Bolivian capital, La Paz. She was
nursing a 3-month-old baby and expecting her eighth child, who she hoped would be
her last.
I was in Bolivia to attend the Sixth Conference of Wives of Heads of State and
Government of the Americas. Women from countries throughout the Western
Hemisphere got together to talk about strategies to eliminate measles, promote
education reform and improve maternal health in our region.
Bolivia, a country of majestic beauty in the heart of South America, was an
auspicious location for such a discussion. More women die in Bolivia during
pregnancy and childbirth than in any other country in South America. But in the face of
this human tragedy, Bolivia has become a model of how one nation can respond to the
crisis of maternal mortality by galvanizing the government, non-governmental
organizations and the medical establishment to launch a nationwide family-planning
campaign.
In a country where half of all expecting mothers go through pregnancy and
childbirth alone -- without medical attention of any kind -- Bolivia's aggressive effort to
educate women about their own health and their options for childbearing is resulting in
safer pregnancies, stronger families and fewer abortions. Without access to family
planning, women in Bolivia - and in many developing nations - often turn in
desperation to illegal, unsafe abortions that can end in death or serious injury. Deaths
from abortion complications account for half of all maternal deaths in Bolivia.
As Bolivia has ably demonstrated, voluntary family planning teaches women
about the benefits of spacing children several years apart, breast-feeding, good
nutrition, prenatal and postpartum visits and safe deliveries. It also decreases the
number of abortions.
Bolivia's success at preventing mothers from dying and lowering abortion rates
has been possible, in part, because of help from the United States and other countries.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided financial and technical
assistance to help Bolivia establish a network of primary health care clinics.
VILVORM
TALKING IT OVER 12/3/96
Page 2
The clinic I visited in La Paz is one that the United States helped start. Called
PROSALUD (which, loosely translated, means "for the good of health" in Spanish), the
clinic has doctors and nurses who offer round-the-clock prenatal, obstetric and
pediatric services, as well as counseling about family planning in a poor
neighborhood of 15,000 people. In the first six months of this year, the clinic staff
provided 2,200 medical consultations, delivered 200 babies, registered 700 new
family-planning users and immunized 2,500 children.
There are obvious benefits of such a program to Bolivian women, children and
families, but health and family-planning services also help alleviate poverty and
contribute to the economic stability of a democratic ally in our hemisphere. Yet
opponents of foreign assistance and particularly of family planning in Congress are
trying to eviscerate U.S. funding for programs like the one I saw at PROSALUD. Some
argue that the United States has no national interest in the health and well-being of
other countries' citizens. Others mistakenly suggest that family planning is being used
to encourage - rather than decrease - abortions. In fact, our government has
prohibited funding of any overseas project that promotes abortion since 1973.
Ignoring this, Congress last year approved draconian cuts in family-planning
assistance amounting to a 35 percent reduction in funds. To add insult to injury, the
cuts were accompanied by new restrictions that delayed delivery of ald for the first nine
months of the fiscal year.
Similar harsh cuts and delays are included in the current budget, meaning that
many organizations could again be denied assistance for months and then receive it
only in monthly installments.
According to a recent analysis by five population organizations, the funding cuts
alone will result in an increase of 1.6 million abortions, more than 8,000 maternal
deaths, and 134,000 infant deaths in developing countries.
Family-planning campaigns at work in Bolivia and elsewhere represent
sensible, cost-effective and long-term strategies for improving women's health,
strengthening families and lowering the rate of abortion. My husband's administration
remains committed to the continuation of these Investments. And I will do everything I
can to ensure that U.S. support for these initiatives continues. If you share my concern,
I hope you will add your voice to mine and give all women everywhere the same
opportunities for their lives we take for granted in ours.
COPYRIGHT 1996 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
December 3, 1996
SEP-11-98 18:05 FROM:POPULATION ACTION
ID:2028870313
PAGE 1/3
file family
FAX TRANSMISSION
plan
To:
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
The White House
From:
Craig Lasher
Population Action International
Subject:
Forthcoming Newspaper Ad Campaign on the Global Gag Rule
Date:
September 11, 1998
Early next week, an ad will appear in newspapers in 18 targeted states and congressional districts
around the country opposing efforts by conservative forces in Congress to impose additional
restrictions on overseas family planning programs. In addition, it will be published in two
Washington papers with wide readership inside the beltway. A copy of the ad and a list of the
newspapers in which it will run are attached.
The ad highlights the aspects of the global gag rule amendment that are among the most
offensive to American values, namely its inconsistency with democratic principles and its
interference with the freedom of speech.
Twenty-six major national organizations have endorsed this effort and are listed on the ad.
Several more have either generously provided financial support or have agreed to activate their
grassroots members during this critical stage in the legislative process.
The ad will run on Tuesday, September 15 in most outlets. The ad will appear on Monday,
September 14, on the Federal Page of the Washington POSI and in Roll Call.
We are hopeful that this targeted media campaign will have a favorable impact on upcoming
debates. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (202) 659-1833 if you have any questions.
SEP-11-98 18:05 FROM: POPULATION ACTION
ID:2028870313
PAGE
2/3
Y
Restricting free speech
is un-American.
That's why U.S. politicians do it in other countries.
When the topic of women's health care
In our country, 0 Gag Rule like this would be
arises, some members of Congress would throw
unconstitutional. In developing countries, where
free speech out the window.
family planning clinics are often o woman's only
Right now, a bill in Congress would CUE off
source of health care, it, is unconscionable.
U.S. family planning funds to any organization
If you believe people the world over should
overseas that dares to speak out either for or
have the freedom to discuss and debate issues,
against abortion.
do the American thing: Call your Senators and
This bill seeks to punish those who talk
Representative today. Tell them you support
about it publicly, even to speak to their own
U.S. funding for international family
governments about the deaths and injuries to
planning programs-no restrictions on free
women from unsafe abortions. [It is not about
speech attached.
the use of U.S. funds for abortion services-that
Because silence is not the answer. In our
has been illegal since 1973.]
country-or any other.
To reach your Senators and Representative, call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at I-202-224-3121.
Sponsored by: Advocates for Youth American Association of University Woman,American CMl Literes Unran.AVSi international Catholics for a Free Choice, Congr for Reproductive low and Policy. NARAL International
Worners Health Constion National Codidor Against Consership, National Counal for International Health Notived Canci of Hwish Women, National Formily Planning and Reproductive Health Association National
Ponnership for Women & Families, National Women's Low Care, Pocific institute for Warmen's Health incomdonal Planned Parenthood Federation of America Pobulation Action International Population
Communications Informational, Population Council PATH, Religious Consition (or Reproductive Choice Sien Club Unica of Concerned Scientises Women of Reform judget and Zero Population Growth
For mare information call follows 1-877-PAI-PLAN.
SEP-11-98 18:05 FROM:POPULATION ACTION
ID:2028870313
PAGE 3/3
Planned Advertisement Placements
Newspaper
Congressional District
1. Anchorage Daily News (Alaska)
Sen. Ted Stevens (R)
2. Riverside Press-Enterprise (California)
Rep. Mary Bono (R-44)
3. San Bernardino Sun (California)
Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-40)
4. Denver Post (Colorado)
Sen. Ben Nighthorse-Campbell (R)
5. West Palm Beach Post (Florida)
Rep. Mark Foley (R-16)
Rep. Clay Shaw (R-22)
6. Sarasota Herald Tribune (Florida)
Rep. Dan Miller (R-13)
7. Florida Times Union (Jacksonville, FL)
Rep. Tillie Fowler (R-4)
8. Kansas City Star (Missouri)
Rep. Pat Danner (D-6)
9. Omaha World Herald (Nebraska))
Rep. Doug Bereuter (R-1)
10. Albuquerque Journal (New Mexico)
Rep. Heather Wilson (R-1)
11. Dayton Daily News (Ohio)
Rep. Tony Hall (D-3)
12. Toledo Blade (Ohio)
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-9)
13. Canton Repository (Ohio)
Rep. Ralph Regula (R-16)
14. Phil. Inquirer & Daily News (Pennsylvania)
Rep. Bob Borski (D-3)
Rep. Robert Brady (D-1)
Rep. Jon Fox (R-13)
15. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania)
Rep. Ron Klink (D-4)
Rep. John Murtha (D-12)
16. Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader (Pennsylvania)
Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-11)
17. Richmond Times Dispatch (Virginia)
Sen. John Warner (R)
18. Seattle Times & Post Intelligencer (WA)
Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-8)
Rep. Rick White (R-1)
19. Roll Call (Washington, DC)
20. Washington Post (Washington, DC)
All placements for Tuesday, September 15, 1998. except Roll Call and The Washington Post
(Federal Page) for Monday, September 14, 1998.
In Seattle and Philadelphia the ads will appear in both the morning and evening papers.
file
family
planning
House funds
family planning
agency at U.N.
Won't pay for abortion in China
anti-AIDS work in Haiti, Hurri-
By Tom Carter
cane Mitch assistance in Central
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
America, and efforts to end female
The House voted yesterday to
circumcision.
resume funding of U.N. family
The main thrust of yesterday's
planning programs after a one-
bill, which will likely come to a
year hiatus during debate on a bill
vote this week, is to finance the
providing $1.4 billion to enhance
first year of a 10-year, $14 billion
security at U.S. embassies abroad.
program to fortify existing embas-
An amendment to authorize $25
sies and build new, more secure
million for the U.N. Population
structures.
Fund (UNFPA) was approved on a
It provides $1.4 billion for im-
221-198 vote. That will be reduced
proving security at embassies and
by an amount equal to any money
another $1 billion for other State
the agency spends in China, which
Department programs.
is accused of performing forced
The Senate approved only $300
abortions to enforce its policy re-
million for embassy security in the
stricting couples to one child.
first year in a major foreign affairs
In effect, the United States will
authorization bill in June. That
give UNFPA about $20 million next
matches the request of the Clinton
year. Last year, Congress refused
administration, which wants to
to approve any money for the
spend $11.4 billion over 10 years.
The Senate bill also authorized
agency.
Approval of the amendment was
payment of nearly $1 billion in U.S.
a setback for anti-abortion Rep.
arrears to the United Nations,
Christopher H. Smith, New Jersey
which was not mentioned in the
Republican, who has consistently
House bill. Mr. Clinton vetoed a
linked foreign affairs funding with
similar measure to pay the U.N. ar-
anti-abortion legislation.
rears last year after Mr. Smith was
Mr. Smith had proposed tougher
successful in attaching anti-
language that would have cut off
abortion language.
all money to UNFPA as long as it
The differences will have to be
runs programs in China, or until
worked out in conference between
the president can certify that
representatives of the two cham-
China is no longer performing
bers.
forced abortions.
Mr. Smith said yesterday that
"It was a defeat, but the real los-
the House leadership continues to
ers are the poor women of China,"
back his strategy of linking the
Mr. Smith said after the vote.
U.N. arrears payment to anti-
"They beat us by claiming to be
abortion language that would pre-
anti-abortion. It was deceptive."
vent U.S. money from being used
Family planning organizations
to lobby to end anti-abortion laws
celebrated the restoration of
overseas.
money for family planning pro-
The bills come amid increased
grams in undeveloped nations.
fear of a terrorist attack around the
"Members of the House made
anniversary of the bombings that
the right decision today by refus-
killed 224 persons at U.S. embas-
ing to hold family planning and
sies in Kenya and Tanzania on Aug.
UNFPA hostage to otherwise le-
7, 1998.
gitimate concerns about the hu-
If diplomats are going to be
man rights record of the Chinese
asked "to put themselves in harm's
government," said Amy Coen,
way, we need to do everything we
president of Population Action In-
can to protect them from terror-
ternational.
ism," Mr. Gilman said.
China claims its abortion policy
Several U.S. embassies have
is voluntary.
been closed for short periods since
Mr. Smith said UNFPA did not
the Africa bombings. And the State
deserve U.S. support because it
Department on Monday an-
was "complicit" in China's
nounced a temporary closure of its
"crimes."
embassy in Mozambique for secu-
That view was challenged by
rity reasons.
Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman, New
The bill would fund several
York Republican and chairman of
other programs but leaves levels
the International Relations Com-
for foreign aid and other interna-
mittee, who co-sponsored the
tional spending to congressional
amendment that passed.
appropriators, who have to work
He said UNFPA is the "only
out a balanced budget for the start
channel" the United States has to
of fiscal year 2000 on Oct. 1.
help mitigate Mexico's exploding
population. He said the agency
This article is based in part on
also serves U.S. interests though its
wire service reports.
FEB-03-99 WED 03:36 PM IWHC
FAX NO. 212 979 9009
P. 02
file
family
IWHC
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH COALITION
planning
24 First 21 Street, New York, New York 10010 Telephone (212)979-8500
Fax (212)979-9009 [email protected] http://www.iwhc.org
February 3, 1999
Ms. Melame Verveer
Chief of Staff for the First Lady
Office of the First Lady
O.E.O.B., Room 100
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Melanne,
I upologize for the delay in sending these suggestions for Hillary's specches in the
Hague. I did send some of them to Margaret Pollack last week just before her
conversation with the speech writer.
Hillary's NARAL speech was fabulous, certainly her strongest on the subject. Much of
that specch could be used verbatim in the Hague simply by changing "American values"
to "ICPD commitments"! T make some specific suggestions below.
A. General Points:
1. While it is important for Hillary to endorse the entire ICPD agenda, this is a critical
moment to emphasize actions needed specifically on reproductive rights and health.
Both proponents and opponents of the ICPD Programme of Action will listen closely
to what the First Lady says, and even more closely to what she does not say, While I
understand the need to consider Congressional views, I believe it is essential for her
to address directly even the most sensitive issues (adolescents, abortion, gender,
families), as she did in her NARAL speech.
2. TL is very important that Hillary speak as an American, and refer to both progress and
shortfalls domestically. While she should acknowledge the importance of U.S.
foreign assistance, and express the Administration's commitment to increase it, I
believe that her audiences will be most receptive if she recognizes the work and
11
accomplishments of local groups and projects based on their own commitment, skills
and initiative. U.S. foreign assistance aids and abcts good ideas, but the
accomplishments are those of the local groups, many of which she has visited.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Ellen Chester, Ph.D., Chair; Jacqueline de Chollet, Vice Chair: Gica Sen, Ph.D., Vice Chair; Adrienne Germain, President:
Nicoham H. Burgman, Ph.D.; In Ivey Boufford, M.D.; Ani O. Dumois, Ph.D.; Joan B. Dunlop: Mahmoud Fathalla, M.D.; Susane M. Ihre; Natsinh Mhoi, M.D.;
Passion) Manuel M.D.; American Ph.D.; Signd Rausing, Ph.D.: Sandra Silverman.
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February 3, 1999
Page 2
3. This is an important moment to express support for UNFPA and the Administration's
intentions on funding.
B. Kcy points to include in both specches:
1. The context: ICPD implementation requires poverty alleviation; action to reduce the
terrible burden of debt faced by southern countries and countries with economics in
transition; increased foreign assistance; partnerships bctween the private sector and
donors/international agencies; reduction of corruption and waste; and prioritization of
social sector investment by governments.
2. Elimination of deaths and illness related to pregnancy: Despite more than a decade of
the "Safe Motherhood Initiative," in the last 12 years some seven million or more
women have died, and millions upon millions of women's lives and health have been
ruined - unnecessarily. It is not acceptable that, even under the politically
comfortable banner, "Safe Motherhood," women's death and illness have attracted SO
little funding and that political will for change does not yet exist. As you'll see from
more detailed points below, emphasizing this issue would allow Hillary to address
quite a number of additional topics, while, at the same time, highlighting what has
possibly been the most neglected dimension of reproductive health worldwide
(including in the U.S. where women of color and low income women have higher
rates of maternal mortality than others).
3. Investment in civil society groups: The points made below may secm esoteric but
they are critically important. Too many governments stifle the energy of NGOs The
U.S. experience demonstrates not only what the nongovernment actors can do but
also the importance of basic capacity building and freedom from unnecessary
government restrictions. This topic would allow Hillary to pick up the great lines
from her NARAL speech on common ground, democracy, values, etc.
4. Key words and phrases from the NARAL speech: Certain phrases from the NARAL
speech on unwanted pregnancy and abortion, would be particularly meaningful in the
Hague, because they would reinforce the leadership of the U.S. in the original ICPD
negotiations, and because neither governments nor international agencies have taken
the action needed. I hope Hillary will assert that abortion should be "safe, legal and
nne." Para. 8.25 (copy attached) of the ICPD Programme of Action exists because of
U.S. recognition, in both Cairo and Beijing, that unwanted pregnancies will occur no
matter how strong preventive efforts are, because contraceptives fail, circumstances
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change, SCX may be forced, etc. The most contentious sentence of the paragraph -
"In circumstances where abortion is not against the law, such abortion should be
safe" - has been ignored by most governments even though it is so narrowly
construed. It would be particularly valuable if Hillary's speech recognizes the
known health consequences of restricting access to safe abortion, asscrts the need to
ensure that each woman can decide for herself what to do, and that analyses the
very negative consequences of both pro- and anti-natalist government action. In
this regard, the first full paragraph on page 4 of the NARAL speech ("I hope...") is
brilliantly crafted. Other wonderful phrases are the personal decisions women
make; stories of dangerous and illegal abortions; women who have suffered in
silence.
C. Detailed points:
1. Death, injury and ill health due to pregnancy:
The widest health disparity between rich and poor countries is in maternal mortality
An estimated 600,000 women die every year due to pregnancy-related causes, most in
poor countries; millions are severely injured, and left to face infertility or chronic
illness. In the last 15 years, we have made almost no progress in reducing these
numbers. We know how to prevent them. Most occur because of gross inequities of
resource distribution between and within countries. They are due as well to failure of
political will both by national governments and by donors to build and sustain the
basic public health systems needed to cope with obstetric emergencies and provide
safe abortion.
We must recognize the underlying social causes of women's death and suffering:
gender discrimination in access to food and health care, education, employment and
political participation; traditional taboos and harmful practices imposed on girls and
women; endomic gender-based violence, including forced and unsafe sexual relations;
laws and policies that restrict women's access to contraccption and to safe services to
end unwanted pregnancies.
We will not achieve the goal sct in the ICPD - to reduce by half the 1990 level of
maternal mortality by the year 2000. But, let us promise our daughters, our wives,
and all women, that the necessary actions will be a top priority for the next five years.
What are these actions?
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As countries adopt health sector reforms, build effective basic health systems and
adopt sector-wide investment strategies, we must:
...
prioritize sexual and reproductive health services of the best possible technical
quality, that provide full information and choices and treat women with
respect.
address pregnancy care in its broader health context, that is, build the skills
and make the investments needed to prevent and treat STDs, prevent HIV, and
control malaria, TB and other major communicable diseases that increase the
risks associated with pregnancy; we must invest in clean water and sanitation
systems, and in basic education for all.
We must bring services - especially emergency obstetric care and safe abortion - as
close as possible to women, which often will require us to:
- invest in training and equipping mid-level paramedical providers especially
midwives;
build partnerships with communities to ensure that everyone knows the danger
signs of pregnancy, to maintain maternity waiting homes, and to provide
emergency transport; and we must
persuade men that pregnancy is their responsibility too - men have an
obligation to ensure women's access to services, to share the demands of
childcare, and to refrain from violence, intimidation, and forced sex.
We must face even the most taboo and sensitive aspects of reproductive and sexual
health squarely:
-- To curb the STD/HIV epidemic, we must ensure that all sexually active
people, whatever their age and marital status, have access to condoms (both
male and female) and are persuaded to use them; we must develop additional
methods that women control, such as microbicides (NTH funds this work); and
we must work with men to be more responsible in their own sexual behavior.
--- "Emergency contraception" (higher-than-usual doses of birth control pills
within 72 hours of unprotected sex) is a simple, inexpensive, safe method to
prevent unintended or unwanted pregnancy. But it is not yet accessible in
most places. Let us ensure that emergency contraception is available for all
women.
.
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February 3, 1999
Page 5
- When unwanted pregnancies occur, we must ensure that women have all
possible choices to continue or to end the pregnancy; preventing unwanted
pregnancies is essential but not sufficient; we must make safe abortion
services accessible and affordable.
We must inform young people about sexuality, help them build self-csteem,
develop mutually respectful relationships, encourage gender equality and equity and
delay pregnancy until they are socially, emotionally and biologically prepared for safe
child bearing.
2. Investment in civil society groups:
One of the most important commitments of the ICPD was to build partnerships with
civil society groups, especially women's groups, to make the hard choices about
allocation of scarce resources, to monitor and hold governments accountable for
meeting the promises made in Cairo, and to build the momentum and political will for
the major social, policy and program changes that are needed.
If these partnerships are to take root, flourish, and be effective, governments need to:
remove unnecessary restrictions on civil society groups' access to local and
external funds;
provide access to information;
include civil society groups in policy processes; and
respect the autonomy of civil society groups.
Donors and international agencies similarly need to foster partnerships based on
equity, and provide the resources needed for civil society groups to build their basic
organizational strength, not just implement projects or deliver services.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
Adrienne Germain to Melanne Verveer [partial] (1 page)
02/03/1999
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 20031
FOLDER TITLE:
Family Planning [Folder 2]
2013-0534-S
rc1503
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
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an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
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financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
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purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
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of gift.
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PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
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concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
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Melanne, there's a lot here- I'd be happy to comment on drafts and will be in New York.
(
(b)(6)
[00 1 J
Please note, some of the language in this letter I have used in writing others so you may
HS
Ag
not want to use the language, just the ideas.
With kind regards,
Chone Sincerely yours,
Adricane Germain
President
Enclosure
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P. 08
International Conference on Population and Development
Programme of Action
8.25. In no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning. All
Governments and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations are
urged to strengthen their commitment to women's health, to deal with the health impact
of unsafe abortion* as a major public health concern and to reduce the recourse to
abortion through expanded and improved family-planning services. Prevention of
unwanted prognancies must always be given the highest priority and every attempt should
be made to eliminate the need for abortion. Women who have unwanted pregnancies
should have ready access to reliable information and compassionate counselling. Any
measures or changes related to abortion within the health system can only be determined
at the national or local level according to the national legislative process. In
circumstances where abortion is not against the law, such abortion should be safc. In all
cases, women should have access to quality services for the management of
complications arising from abortion. Post-abortion counselling, education and family-
planning services should be offered promptly, which will also help to avoid repeat
abortions.
**Unsafe abortion is defined as a procedure for terminating an unwanted pregnancy
either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment lacking the minimal
medical standards, or both (based on World Health Organization), The Prevention and
Management of Unsafe Abortion, Report of a Technical Working Group, Geneva, April
1992 (WHO/MSM/92.5))."
JESSE HELMS, NORTH CAROLINA. CHAIRMAN
RICHARD G. LUGAR. INDIANA.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN, - DELAWARE
CHUCK HAGEL NEBRABKA
PAUL 5. SARBANES. MARYLAND
file Inc'l Family Planning
GORDON H. SMITH. OREGON
CHRISTOPHER + DOOD, CONNECTICUT
noo GRAMS, MINNESOTA
JOHN F. KENRY, MASSACHUSETTS
SAM BROWNBACK. KANSAS
RUSSELL D. FEINGOLD. WISCONSIN
CRAIG THOMAS. WYOMING
PAUL D. WELLSTONE, MINNESOTA
JOHN ASHCROFT, MISSOURI
BARBARA BOXER, CALIFORNIA
Hnited States Senate
BILL FRIST, TENNESSEE
ROBERT G. TORRICELL NEW JERSEY
LINCOLN n. CHAFEE RMODE ISLAND
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
STEPHEN 6. BIEGUN. STAFF DIRECTOR
EDWIN K HALL MINORITY STAFF DIRECTOR
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-6225
September 27, 2000
*430542*
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I have been reliably informed that (pursuant to section 599D of the Foreign
Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act 2000) at
least ten foreign, privately run so-called population control advocacy groups and
international organizations have, so far, refused to certify to the Agency for
International Development that they did not perform or promote abortions with
their own funds.
Two of these groups (the International Planned Parenthood Federation in
London and the World Health Organization) have made their position public.
We received the findings of the General Accounting Office report called
"USAID Compliance With Family Planning Restrictions" which we find
disturbing, to say the least. The Committee then sought the names of the eight
other organizations that are refusing to comply with U.S. law. We were arrogantly
informed that the information would not be provided unless unprecedented and
illegitimate restrictions were implemented.
Mr. President, it may be subject to legitimate question whether your
administration is using taxpayers' dollars in violation of U.S. law to finance covert
abortion clinics in foreign countries, although the behavior of your staff not to
mention their highly creative excuses to deny Congressional request for
information- does make one wonder:
The number of frivolous excuses employed by your staff in efforts to keep
Congress and the American people in the dark on this matter is breathtaking and
would ordinarily defy imagination. I certainly shall not dignify a response to any
of them
#430531
908426
I am sure you agree that U.S. taxpayers have every right to know which
groups (domestic or foreign) use taxpayer funds to carry out foreign aid projects.
There has never been any question about this.
A.I.D. does not now, nor has it ever, operated covert foreign aid programs.
For your people to suggest otherwise could permanently damage A.I.D.'s
credibility in the field as well as to cause friend and foe alike to question the U.S.
Government's stated intentions to help poor people.
Mr. President, providing this information without further delay will put an
end to this charade.
Sincerely,
Jesse Helms
JESSE HELMS: ggg