Urge Bush to plan for the future

Protecting women's health and promoting women's empowerment can help protect the earth and our environment. Use the EarthNet Action Center to urge Bush to start planning for the future. TAKE ACTION NOW!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Fully Fund the UNFPA

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am disappointed to find out that you are considering defunding the United Nations Population Fund. The UNFPA has played a crucial role in improving the situation for women and communities all over the world, including those in Afghanistan. The UNFPA can drastically improve the health and wealth of communities around the world.

I strongly encourage you to release the $34 million that Congress approved for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). UNFPA is leading the effort to expand and protect the rights and dignity of women. It is coordinating global efforts to meet the critical reproductive health needs of refugees. Your own administration, just two months ago, recognized the crucial work UNFPA is doing in the Afghan region and gave an emergency grant to assist in the handout of safe delivery kits.

Americans and Congress have been very clear on this issue: international family planning is crucial to women and healthy communities. Please support efforts to improve the quality of life for women and communities around the world and release the $34 million that Congress approved for UNFPA.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 01, 2002

Background Information

It's a well-known fact that protecting women's health and promoting women's empowerment can protect our environment. The world's growing population has profound consequences for the global environment -- including species extinction, deforestation, desertification and climate change. These global environmental impacts pose a significant threat to the earth's sustainability and our quality of life.

Recognizing the link between family planning and a healthy environment, Congress recently voted to support the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) -- one of the most significant family planning and women empowerment programs in the world. Studies keep showing that when women are given reproductive guidance and social opportunities their families, their communities and the environment benefit. And that is what UNFPA is all about.

Unfortunately, the Bush administration is ignoring the wishes of Congress and the overwhelming support of the American public. At the urging of some big family planning foes, they're holding up some $34 million in funding for the UNFPA. The loss of those funds would significantly undermine the global efforts of the agency and lead inevitably lead to further degradation of the earth.

It's time the Bush administration start planning for the future by fully funding the United Nations Population Fund. Urge him to support strong families, strong communities and a healthy environment.