For Immediate Release:

Friday, January 23, 2009

“I applaud President Obama’s decision to ensure safe, accessible health care to women around the world.  Lifting the restrictions on federal funding to health care organizations around the globe is about saving lives. 

“The gag rule undermined reproductive healthcare. It hurt efforts to prevent HIV and AIDS, restricted access to contraceptives and placed limits on women and doctors that we would never accept here in the United States. 

“In reversing the short-sighted actions of the Bush Administration within his first week in office, President Obama is already living up to his commitment to our global community.”