US ADVOCACY

Pathfinder’s US Advocacy Program works to improve the overall US policy environment for international family planning and reproductive health programs. With more than fifty years of field experience, Pathfinder believes that international family planning policies and programs must be based on real world reality. Pathfinder brings this "field voice" and experience directly to Members of Congress, government officials, and the general public.

International family planning and reproductive health programs have faced numerous political blows over the past few years. Since January 2001 when President Bush reinstated the global gag rule, conservative lawmakers have worked to further restrict or even eliminate family planning programs. As a result, the US has backed out of international agreements, refused to fund the UN agency that handles family planning, and instituted greater and more harmful restrictions on US organizations that implement family planning programs overseas and even on the types of services that they can offer. US policies are affecting the rights and health of people around the world.

More than ever, it is crucial to educate the public and mobilize support for international family planning and reproductive health.