Healthcare Prof:
Australia’s Foreign Minister Alexander Downer recently asked for a review of the government’s ban on funding for abortion services in other countries, Sharman Stone, minister for workforce participation, said on Sunday, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Australia’s foreign assistance agency AusAID since 1996 has been barred from funding programs that present abortion services, training or medical abortion drugs. Stone, who chairs the bipartisan Parliamentary Group on Population and Development, said, “Clearly, the rights and plight of girls are intimately tied up with reproductive well being,” adding that the committee he chairs supports Downer’s decision to review the policy (Metherell, Sydney Morning Herald, 9/11). The committee on Monday was scheduled to hold a discussion on the policy, the AAP/Age reports. Suzanne Belton, a researcher at Charles Darwin University, in a written statement submitted to the committee said, “We cannot continue to cordon off abortion as though it doesn’t happen,” adding, “In order to reduce maternal mortality, Australian aid money really should focus on the prevention of unwanted and mistimed pregnancies and access to high-quality post-abortion care and safe abortion.” About 11% of AusAID funds from 2004 through 2005 went toward health-related programs, which includes 7% toward reproductive well being initiatives (AAP/Age, 9/10). Belton said at least 13% of maternal deaths worldwide are caused by abortion-related complications, adding that many countries around Australia have a shortfall in household planning funding. Based on the Morning Herald, Health Minister Tony Abbott has stated he supports the current policy and likely will oppose any changes (Sydney Morning Herald, 9/11).
“Reprinted with permission from http://www.kaisernetwork.org. You’ll be able to view the whole Kaiser Every day Wellness Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for e-mail delivery at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Day-to-day Well being Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a totally free service of the Henry J. Kaiser Household Foundation . ? 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Loved ones Foundation. All rights reserved.