British to Fund Abortion in Developing Countries

On February 6, the British government announced its decision to give 3 million pounds over the course of the next three years to support groups that offer women in the developing world access to safe abortions and family planning.  This money is intended to help replace the support that was withdrawn from the United States.  The British government is encouraging other countries, including Canada, to give monetary support to similar programs in direct defiance of US policy.
           
According to a US policy on funding established by Ronald Regan in 1984, any organization applying to the United States for funds must agree not to counsel on abortion – except to advise against it – or to provide abortions.  This means that the US will not fund groups that discuss safe abortions, even in countries where it is currently legal.