Congress Moves to Boost Funding for Family Planning, but Drops Repeal of Global Gag Rule

On Thursday, December 10, the House of Representatives passed an omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2010 that includes a significant increase in funding for international family planning programs. The bills calls for a total of $648.5 million for family planning and reproductive health programs, an increase of more than $103 million, or 19% above the 2009 enacted level, and $55 million more than President Obama’s request. Notably, the bill also calls for an increase of $54 million for global maternal and child health programs. Unfortunately, an earlier Senate amendment that would have permanently banned the Global Gag Rule did not make it into the omnibus bill.

The Senate approved the omnibus bill over the weekend, without any amendments, and the bill will now be sent to the President for his signature. While the amendment banning the Global Gag Rule was not in the final bill, EngenderHealth will continue to advocate for a permanent repeal of this damaging policy.

Read more about the Global Gag Rule.