House Reverses Contraception-Aid Ban
    The Associated Press

    Friday 22 June 2007

    Washington - The House voted narrowly on Thursday to reverse a ban on contraception aid to groups overseas that offer abortions, a pillar of President Bush's foreign aid policy.

    Mr. Bush is likely to veto the proposal, and the veto is likely to be upheld by conservative lawmakers.

    Even though the Democrats expect a veto, they brought the measure up for a vote to reopen debate on a policy initiated by President Reagan in 1984 that bars any aid to organizations abroad that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning.

    Democrats say an unintended consequence of the policy is a shortage of contraceptives.

    "It is simply not enough to say you support family planning, so long as the current restrictions remain in law," said Representative Nita M. Lowey, the New York Democrat who is chairwoman of the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the foreign aid budget.

    The House voted 223 to 201 to attach the measure to a $34.2 billion bill that pays for State Department operations and foreign aid in 2008.

    Republicans say the measure, which would restrict the aid to United States donations of contraceptives, would free other resources for groups to provide abortions.

    Rep. Joe Pitts, Republican of Pennsylvania, said the policy "exists to draw a bright line between U.S. family planning policy and abortion."