Effort to Prohibit U.S. Tax Dollars From Funding Overseas Abortions

Press Release

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today urged his colleagues to reinstate the Mexico City Policy - the policy that prohibits U.S. tax dollars from going to international organizations responsible for performing and promoting abortions. During the debate on reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program, Senator Martinez offered an amendment to reinstate the policy. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 37 to 60.

"The core of this argument is whether U.S. taxpayers ought to be forced to fund efforts abroad that utilize abortion as a means of family planning," said Martinez. "If we want to continue fostering a culture of life, where every life is considered sacred, every child is celebrated, and life at all stages is given the dignity it deserves, then we will reinstate this policy."

The Mexico City Policy was first implemented in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan. President Obama rescinded the policy last Friday.

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