In December, President Obama signed an appropriations bill authorizing a significant rise in funding for international family planning. The allocation, $648.5 million, is an increase of more than $103 million, or 19% above the 2009 enacted level. The bill also calls for $549 million for global maternal and child health programs, an increase of $54 million from last year. Unfortunately, an earlier Senate amendment that would have permanently banned the Global Gag Rule did not make it into the omnibus bill.

EngenderHealth welcomes the increased support for the family planning field, but advocates further increases to reach the millions of women and families whose needs are not being met. We also continue to advocate for permanent, legislative repeal of the Global Gag Rule.