Nielson blasts US over cuts in family planning

Date: 25/07/02

POUL Nielson, the EU's development commissioner, has launched a blistering attack on this week's decision by the US to halt its €32 million funding for international family planning schemes.

The European Commission has announced it will fill what it termed the 'decency gap' left by Washington's withdrawal of its contribution to the UN Population Fund (UNPFA).

'The US decision is regrettable and counterproductive,' said Nielson, who claimed it 'may well lead to more unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and increased dangers for mothers and infants. The losers from this decision will be some of the most vulnerable people on this planet.'

The Bush administration's move came after intense lobbying by anti-abortion groups.

A senior Commission official said the EU's funding would be spent only on contraception supplies, counselling and awareness-building activities.

Poul Nielson, the EU's development commissioner, has attacked the decision by the US to halt its €32 million funding for international family planning schemes.