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Serra Sippel Executive Director Center for Health and Gender Equity November 6, 2008

Real Reform or More of the Same? US Foreign Assistance and HIV Prevention, Reproductive Health and Human Rights. Serra Sippel Executive Director Center for Health and Gender Equity November 6, 2008. Sexual and Reproductive Health of Women. 80% of HIV infections are sexually transmitted

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Serra Sippel Executive Director Center for Health and Gender Equity November 6, 2008

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  1. Real Reform or More ofthe Same?US Foreign Assistance and HIV Prevention, Reproductive Health and Human Rights Serra Sippel Executive Director Center for Health and Gender Equity November 6, 2008

  2. Sexual and Reproductive Health of Women • 80% of HIV infections are sexually transmitted • More than 50 % of infections worldwide, and 61 % of those infected in sub-Saharan Africa are women • 200 million women need contraceptives • 80 million unintended pregnancies occur each year • 500,000 women die each year from pregnancy-related complications

  3. Comprehensive Approaches to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights • Evidence and support for policies and programs that address SRHR and HIV/AIDS intersections • SRH Services: FP, MCH, HIV and other STIs, reproductive tract infections, sexual health, GBV, prevention of unsafe abortion and post-abortion care

  4. The US and SRHR • For decades the U.S. has been a global leader in support for international family planning • U.S. joined consensus on SRHR in 1994 (Cairo) and 1995 (Beijing)

  5. US Foreign Assistance:Obstacles to SRHR “Condoms for family planning are distributed separate from condoms for HIV prevention.” (US government official) • Vertical programming • Vertical funding • Restrictions on funding

  6. FY07 US Health FundingTrendsAll Accounts plus OGAC Transfers

  7. Restrictions on US Funding “We have had to lower the age of contraceptive needs from 15-49 to 10-49 years of age because we have found 10-15 year-olds need contraceptive methods.” (DR government official) • US POLICY: NO condom information for 10-14 year-olds

  8. De-funding UNFPA • UNFPA, a leading global agency supporting comprehensive approaches to SRHR • Since 2001, the U.S. has denied funding to UNFPA

  9. Global Gag Rule • Bars any foreign organization that receives U.S. foreign assistance from using its own funds or funds from other donors to perform abortions; advocate for the liberalization or decriminalization of abortion in laws and policies; or provide information, make referrals, or counsel women on the procedure—even in countries where abortion is legal.

  10. Anti-Prostitution Loyalty Oath • “No funds . . . May be used to provide assistance to any group or organization that does not have a policy explicitly opposing prostitution and sex trafficking.” • “No funds . . . may be used to promote or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution or sex trafficking.”

  11. Foreign Assistance Reform • 2006 Bush introduces plan to reorganize foreign aid • Overhaul of 1961 Foreign Assistance Act? • Current recommendations from development experts

  12. SRHR and Development • In 2000, the MDGs were affirmed by the U.S. and 188 other countries with the goal to eradicate poverty • SRHR central to Millennium Development Goals (MDGS)

  13. Goal 3: Gender Equality and Empowerment Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty. Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education. Goal 4: Reduce child mortality. Goal 5: Improve maternal health. Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases. Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability. Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

  14. Recommendations • Collaborate with the international community. • Create cabinet-level posts on global development and women. • Ensure that U.S. funding gets in the hands of women. • Eliminate restrictions. • Fund comprehensive programs.

  15. Thank you! Serra Sippel ssippel@genderhealth.org

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