Funding For Planned Parenthood Renewed

CBC News reported Thursday that the Canadian government has approved funding to the International Planned Parenthood Federation for five nations where abortions are illegal in most cases.

According to the article, International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda has approved a proposal from the organization requesting funding for contraception and sex education but not abortion services.

The funding, said to be worth $6 million dollars, is to be given over a three-year period for Planned Parenthood to provide their services in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Mali and Tanzania.

Other news outlets have not confirmed this information.

Oda’s decision to approve the proposal would come over a year after the organization submitted its proposal.

Agathe Gramet-Kedzior, executive director of Canadians for Choice, a non-profit, pro-choice charitable organization said the decision from the government would not be surprising.

“It is a political decision on their part to not fund that very necessary reproductive health service,” said Gramet-Kedzior. “So, I would say it is an ideological decision.”

“It is very unfortunate because we know that if women don’t have access to safe and legal abortion services, it doesn’t mean that they are not going to risk their life and their health in order to obtain one.”

The funding will provide a number of services that are still required around the world, said Kelly Castagnaro, senior communication officer at International Planned Parenthood Federation – Western Hemisphere Region.

“There is an incredible need throughout the world for young people to receive accurate and comprehensive information about sex, their bodies and their rights sexually,” said Castagnaro.

“I think it is a positive thing to provide funding,” she said. “Funding is a step in the right direction but there could be more done to help save women’s lives.”

The office of Bev Oda could not be reached for comment.