One day after refusing to support the World Leaders’ Statement in Support of ICPD (see front page), the United States of America’s ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, Sichan Siv, told the General Assembly that its country was firmly committed “to advancing the well-being of women and their families”.
Elaborating on the United States position, he said his country was worried the plan could be used to promote abortion. However, after receiving assurances from various countries that such was not the intent, he said “we are pleased to continue to offer our strong support”.
Mr. Siv said his country was advancing the Cairo goals in many ways – including by spending US$475 million annually over the last four years to finance maternal health, family planning and reproductive health programmes. But he stressed “the promotion of behaviour change – encouraging abstinence and fidelity – is integral to our fight against HIV/AIDS”.
The State Department had refused to support the Statement because it included the concept of “sexual rights”, which had no “agreed definition” according to the State Department.
(Source: AP, 15 October via UN Wire)