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RCRC Commends Introduction of Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act for Promoting Family Planning and Reproductive Health Internationally

Statement of Reverend Dr. Carlton W. Veazey,
President and CEO, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice

April 22, 2010

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) applauds the introduction today by Representative Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) of the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act to promote sexual and reproductive health in developing countries. Like RCRC’s new initiative My Sisters’ Keeper, this bill seeks to save women's lives, improve women’s health, reduce infant mortality, and empower women, men and families to have a better life.

Clergy, religious leaders and individuals of many diverse faiths who support the goal of My Sisters’ Keeper to increase U.S. funding for international family planning and reproductive health services also urge Congress to move forward to enact this humanitarian bill.

Poor sexual and reproductive health is the leading cause of death and disability among women of child-bearing age, according to the World Health Organization. We must never forget that each year in developing countries, more than half-a-million women die from pregnancy-related causes, millions suffer serious health complications, and 4 million newborns die in the first month of life.

Achieving universal access to reproductive health services is essential to building a more just world for us all.

RCRC commends the original co-sponsors of this bill, Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Susan Davis (D-CA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Pete Stark (D-CA), Diane Watson (D-CA), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is the national interfaith coalition of religious and religiously affiliated organizations from 15 denominations and faith traditions, including the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist Association, and Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism.