MEDIA RELEASE - Family Planning NSW congratulates Foreign Minster Stephen Smith on decision to change overseas aid restrictions

The decision made in March 2009, by Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith, to lift the restrictions of the AusAID Family Planning Guidelines will finally allow Australia to play a major role in the international efforts to advance women's reproductive and sexual rights worldwide and ensure universal access to family planning.

Mr Smith stated in a press release:

"The Government has now completed its review and I have decided to change the Family Planning Guidelines for Australia's overseas development assistance program to support the same range of family planning services for women in developing countries as are supported for women in Australia, subject to the national laws of the relevant nation concerned."

Mr Smith's critical decision will allow Australian overseas programs the ability to now offer the full range of reproductive and sexual services, which was not possible under the original AusAID Family Planning Guidelines (to see Family Planning NSW's original appeal to, click here).

"Today's decision will save the lives of women and young girls worldwide and its impact will be nothing short of monumental," said Family Planning NSW CEO, Ann Brassil. "Regardless of the political opposition, the federal government did the right thing by millions of people."

In addition to the policy change, Smith announced an additional $15 million to be spent over the four years through UN agencies and NGOs for family planning and reproductive health activities. This is intended to help reduce maternal deaths and show Australia's commitment to advance the Millennium Development Goals to improve child and maternal health.

"Today, Australians nationwide can feel proud, and women worldwide can feel that much more empowered," said Ms Brassil.

Family Planning NSW letter of congratulations to Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith:

March 10, 2009

The Hon. Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Deputy Leader of the House

PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Minister Smith,

On behalf of Family Planning NSW, we would like to congratulate you and your office on the critical decision made today regarding the changes to the AusAID Family Planning Guidelines, to bring these in line with current national policy.

Across the world, substandard reproductive health continues as the leading cause of death for women, particularly in the poorest countries.

The figures are alarming:

• More than half a million women die from pregnancy or childbirth complications each year;
• At least 200 million women lack access to family planning and contraceptive information and services, contributing to more than 40 million pregnancies that are terminated every year, half unsafely;
• Complications from unsafe abortion result in approximately 67,000 deaths and at least 5 million serious injuries annually, all preventable;
• Approximately 13% of maternal deaths are related to unsafe abortion, many in the Asia Pacific region;
• Sexually transmitted infections are increasing dramatically, with poor support for preventive measures, especially for young people.

By lifting restrictions on federal monies spent on reproduction and sexual programs overseas, numerous Australian aid agencies can finally work to full capacity to reduce the death and injury of countless women and girls.

More importantly, your decision made to today gives Australia the ability to truly participate in international efforts to advance women's reproductive and sexual rights worldwide and ensure universal access to family planning, helping women decide the timing and spacing of their children.

As a provider of Family Planning services in East South East Asia and the Oceania region, we look forward to increasing our capacity to deliver badly needed reproductive and sexual health services in the region through the additional monies promised.  

Congratulations on such a responsible and monumental decision,

Yours sincerely,

Devora Lieberman                                              Ann Brassil
President, Family Planning NSW                       CEO, Family Planning NSW

For further information

Contact Lindsey Parks, Communications & Marketing Officer by phone on 0447 376 791 or email here.