Frankel, Lee introduce resolution reaffirming U.S. commitment to international reproductive health and rights

Statement

Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) were joined by 36 members of Congress to introduce a resolution recognizing 25 years since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt and reaffirming its goals, including comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights.

This week, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, is convening a high-level conference in Nairobi, Kenya to advance the ICPD Programme of Action, an inclusive plan that recognizes that reproductive health and gender equality are critical to global sustainable development.

As the largest funder of global health, the U.S. sets an example and has a responsibility to encourage the goals of the ICPD. Unfortunately, the Trump administration has pursued policies that run counter to these objectives and are deeply harmful to women's health. The resolution calls on the U.S. Government to recommit to its recognition of reproductive rights as human rights and to champion the right to bodily autonomy and self-determination for all.

"Women deserve control over their bodies and their lives," said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. "Access to reproductive health services allows women to lead healthier, safer, and more productive lives -- bettering their communities and the world."

"Reproductive rights are human rights," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "As the Democratic Congressional Representative to the United Nations, I will keep working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that everyone around the world has access to comprehensive reproductive care. That includes stopping the Global Gag Rule, increasing funding for the UNFPA, and safeguarding international family planning programs."

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