Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) this week reintroduced her Support UNFPA Funding Act, which ensures the United States contributes to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This fund is an agency within the UN that promotes gender equality, empowers women and girls, and provides life-saving resources to women globally. By working with partners in over 150 countries, the UNFPA provides access to sexual and reproductive health services to women around the world. Houlahan has been a staunch advocate in supporting this fund since joining Congress in 2019. She introduced this bill in the 116th and 117th Congress as it not only supports women and girls globally, but also promotes international stability.
“The UNFPA continues to be a critical resource for women and girls around the world,” said Houlahan. “We know that when women have proper access to health and education services, economies are stronger, and societies are strengthened and more peaceful. It is crucial that the U.S. continues to support this important fund and honor its commitment to protect global peace and stability and support a woman’s fullest potential. This also means that we need to work to end practices like child marriage, which UNFPA is a global leader on. I am so thankful that this legislation has received overwhelming support from so many of my colleagues and dozens of outside organizations. As long as I am a member of Congress, I will never stop fighting to make the world a safer place for women and girls.”
Houlahan’s Support UNFPA Funding Act has earned the support of 116 cosponsors and been endorsed by 48 organizations.
“UNFPA ensures that women, youth and communities that are affected by humanitarian crises can access the vital services they need, from contraceptives to maternal and newborn care,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO of Population Action International. “The United States’ support of the UNFPA extends the reach of our government’s foreign assistance threefold and aligns with commitments to gender quality, health equity and human rights, as the UNFPA also works to end gender-based violence and harmful practices like child marriage and expand the rights of women and girls worldwide. PAI applauds Rep. Houlahan for reintroducing the Support UNFPA Funding Act, and for reasserting the United States’ essential partnership with UNFPA.”
“Investments in family planning programs are crucial to improving health, increasing economic opportunities and promoting human rights for everyone. It’s shameful that some extremist politicians have refused to support these programs in general and have tried to block contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). UNFPA is working in some 150 countries to help ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and the potential of every person is realized. We’re grateful to Congresswoman Houlahan for introducing this important legislation and looking forward to working with her to pass it into law,” said Brian Dixon Sr. Vice President for Government and Political Affairs Population Connection Action Fund.
“It is critical that young people everywhere have the support and resources they need to grow up healthy and reach their full potential. The United Nations Population Fund – sometimes the only healthcare provider for children and women in parts of the globe – plays a vital role in making this possible, supporting child and maternal survival efforts and improving adolescent health. The Academy urges Congress to advance the Support UNFPA Funding Act without delay so it can continue its lifesaving work and we thank Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) for her ongoing commitment to supporting children’s global health,” said American Academy of Pediatrics President Sandy Chung, MD, FAAP.
“UNFPA plays a key role in protecting and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care world wide and it’s critical that Congress supports their mission. Everyone deserves access to quality health care, no matter who they are or where they live. We applaud Rep. Houlahan for her steadfast commitment to speaking out about UNFPA’s vital work around the world and are excited to see so many members cosponsor this important legislation. Planned Parenthood is proud to advocate for funding for health care programs in the U.S. and abroad,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
For a full list of original cosponsors and endorsing organizations, click here.
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