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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [April 14, 2011]
"In the past three decades, the U.S. government and international community have increasingly recognized violence against women (hereinafter VAW) as a human rights problem with far reaching consequences. Prior to the 1970s, many in the international community viewed VAW as a private matter to be dealt with among individuals and not a public matter that merited a national or international response. In the late 1970s and 1980s, however, the international community began to focus on VAW as a global health problem and violation of human rights. This shift was driven, in part, by an increasingly effective and well-organized grassroots movement of local, national, and international women's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that brought international attention to the plight of VAW victims and created a more public forum for discussion of the issue. [...] This report identifies types of VAW and the direct and indirect consequences of these acts of violence. It provides examples of completed and ongoing U.S. government programs that--in whole or in part--work to reduce or eliminate international violence against women. It does not assess the scope of individual programs or a program's success in achieving its goal. The report also outlines possible policy considerations for the 112th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of current U.S. programs, further integrating VAW prevention and treatment into U.S. foreign assistance programs, coordinating among U.S. executive branch agencies and departments, and U.S. funding of international anti-VAW programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-04-14
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United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child: Background and Policy Issues [May 10, 2010]
"U.S. ratification of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Rights of the Child (hereafter referred to as CRC or the Convention) may be a key area of focus during the 111th Congress, particularly if the Barack Obama Administration seeks the advice and consent of the Senate. CRC is an international treaty that aims to protect the rights of children worldwide. [...] The question of U.S. ratification of CRC has generated contentious debate. Opponents argue that U.S. ratification would undermine U.S. sovereignty by giving the United Nations authority to determine the best interests of U.S. children. Some are also concerned that CRC could interfere in the private lives of families, particularly the rights of parents to educate and discipline their children. Moreover, some argue that CRC is an ineffective mechanism for protecting children's rights. They emphasize that countries that are widely regarded as abusers of children's rights, including China and Sudan, are party to the Convention. Supporters of U.S. ratification, on the other hand, hold that CRC's intention is not to circumvent the role of parents but to protect children against government intrusion and abuse. Proponents emphasize what they view as CRC's strong support for the role of parents and the family structure. Additionally, supporters hold that U.S. federal and state laws generally meet the requirements of CRC, and that U.S. ratification would strengthen the United States' credibility when advocating children's rights abroad. This report provides an overview of CRC's background and structure and examines evolving U.S. policy toward the Convention, including past and current Administration positions and congressional perspectives. The report also highlights issues for the 111th Congress, including the Convention's possible impact on federal and state laws, U.S. sovereignty, parental rights, and U.S. family planning and abortion policy. It also addresses the effectiveness of CRC in protecting the rights of children internationally and its potential use as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2010-05-10
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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [Updated August 10, 2009]
"This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of completed and ongoing U.S. activities that address [violence against women] VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It outlines possible policy considerations for the 111th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; and strengthening U.S. government coordination of anti-VAW activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.; Blanchfield, Luisa; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2009-08-10
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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [January 28, 2009]
"This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of U.S. activities that address VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It outlines possible policy considerations for the 111th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; and strengthening U.S. government coordination of anti-VAW activities. Material relating to United Nations anti-VAW activities that previously appeared in this report is now published in CRS Report RL34518, United Nations System Efforts to Address Violence Against Women, by Luisa Blanchfield."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.; Blanchfield, Luisa; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2009-01-28
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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [July 26, 2011]
"In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognized international violence against women (VAW) as a significant human rights and global health issue. VAW, which can include both random acts of violence as well as sustained abuse over time, can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature. Studies have found that VAW occurs in all geographic regions, countries, cultures, and economic classes, with some research showing that women in developing countries experience higher rates of violence than those in developed countries. Many experts view VAW as a symptom of the historically unequal power relationship between men and women, and argue that over time this imbalance has led to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate a cycle of violence. U.S. policymakers have generally focused on specific types or circumstances of VAW rather than view it as a stand-alone issue. Congress has authorized and appropriated funds for international programs that address VAW, including human trafficking and female genital cutting. In addition, past and current Administrations have supported efforts to reduce international levels of VAW-- though many of these activities are implemented as components of broader foreign aid initiatives. There is no U.S. government-wide coordination of anti-VAW efforts. Most agencies and departments do not track the cost or number of programs with VAW components. Therefore, it is unclear how much money the U.S. government, or individual agencies, spend annually on VAWrelated programs. Some experts have suggested that the U.S. government should re-examine, and perhaps enhance, current U.S. anti-VAW activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Margesson, Rhoda; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji . . .
2011-07-26
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Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Congressional Issues [January 4, 2008]
"The U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW] calls for Parties to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including healthcare, education, employment, domestic relations, law, commercial transactions, and political participation. As of December 2007, the Convention was ratified or acceded to by 185 countries. President Jimmy Carter submitted the Convention to the Senate in 1980. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings on the Convention in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 2002, but the treaty was never considered for ratification by the full Senate. The George W. Bush Administration began conducting a full legal and policy review of the Convention in 2002. On February 7, 2007, the Administration transmitted a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stating that it does not support Senate action on the treaty at this time. […] This report provides background on CEDAW developments, including U.S. policy and congressional actions, and considers arguments for and against ratification. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-01-04
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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [June 3, 2008]
"In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognized international violence against women (VAW) as a significant human rights and global health issue. VAW, which can include both random acts of violence as well as sustained abuse over time, can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature. Studies have found that VAW occurs in all geographic regions, countries, cultures, and economic classes, with some surveys showing that women in developing countries experience higher rates of violence than those in developed countries. Many experts view VAW as a symptom of the historically unequal power relationship between men and women, and argue that over time this imbalance has led to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate a cycle of violence. […]This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of U.S. activities that address VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It also outlines possible policy considerations for the 110th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; and strengthening U.S. government coordination of anti-VAW activities. Material relating to United Nations anti-VAW activities that previously appeared in this report is now published in CRS Report RL34518, United Nations System Efforts to Address Violence Against Women, by Luisa Blanchfield."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji . . .
2008-06-03
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Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Congressional Issues [April 5, 2007]
"The U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW] calls for Parties to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including healthcare, education, employment, domestic relations, law, commercial transactions, and political participation. As of November 2, 2006, the Convention was ratified or acceded to by 185 countries. President Jimmy Carter submitted the Convention to the Senate in 1980. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings on the Convention in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 2002, but the treaty was never considered for ratification by the full Senate. The George W. Bush Administration began conducting a full legal and policy review of the Convention in 2002. On February 7, 2007, the Administration transmitted a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stating that it does not support Senate action on the treaty at this time. […] This report provides background on CEDAW developments, including U.S. policy and congressional actions, and considers arguments for and against ratification. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2007-04-05
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International Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress [February 21, 2013]
"Since 1965, the U.S. government has supported international family planning activities based on principles of voluntarism and informed choice that gives participants access to services and information on a broad range of family planning methods. U.S. family planning policy and abortion restrictions have generated contentious debate for over three decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. Given the divisive nature of this debate, U.S. funding of these programs will likely remain a point of contention during the 113th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2013-02-21
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United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) [March 18, 2013]
"Recent international events have renewed congressional interest in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO is a specialized agency of the U.N. system that promotes collaboration among its member countries in the fields of education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communications and information. With an annual budget of approximately $326 million, it supports more than 2,000 staff members working at its headquarters in Paris and 65 field offices and institutes worldwide. UNESCO activities are funded through a combination of assessed contributions by member states to its regular budget, and voluntary contributions by member states and organizations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Browne, Marjorie Ann
2013-03-18
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [February 12, 2013]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue to be a point of contention during the 113th Congress. These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in 'Roe v. Wade', which holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since 'Roe', Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions, often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2013-02-12
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U.N. System Development Assistance: Issues for Congress [July 28, 2011]
"Members of Congress continue to demonstrate an ongoing interest in the efficiency and effectiveness of United Nations (U.N.) development activities, both in the context of U.N. reform and broader U.S. development and foreign assistance efforts. Thirty-two U.N. agencies, funds, programs, and offices play a role in development. These entities, collectively referred to as the U.N. development system (UNDS), are independent intergovernmental organizations with distinct mandates, rules, membership, and financial resources. [...] Many experts and policymakers recognize the unique role that the United Nations plays in development. In their view, the United Nations' universal membership provides it with a neutrality, legitimacy, and convening power not enjoyed by countries and other development organizations. At the same time, however, the United Nations has been criticized for lacking effectiveness and cohesion in its development activities, particularly at the country level. [...] The United States is the largest contributor to the U.N. system as a whole and is often one of the top financial contributors to UNDS entities. It holds leadership roles in U.N. governance mechanisms and annually appropriates funding to UNDS organizations. Given the extent of U.S. participation in and funding of the UNDS, the 112th Congress may raise questions regarding: (1) The overall effectiveness of the UNDS, particularly at the country level [...;] (2) The level and extent of U.S. contributions to the UNDS [...and] (3) The benefits and drawbacks of multilateral versus bilateral assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-07-28
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International Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress [March 16, 2012]
"Since 1965, the U.S. government has supported international family planning activities based on principles of voluntarism and informed choice that gives participants access to services and information on a broad range of family planning methods. U.S. family planning policy and abortion restrictions have generated contentious debate for over three decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. Given the divisive nature of this debate, U.S. funding of these programs will likely remain a point of contention during the 112th Congress. In 1984, controversy arose over U.S. family planning assistance when the Ronald Reagan Administration introduced restrictions that became known as the 'Mexico City policy.' The Mexico City policy required foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to certify that they would not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning--even if the activities were undertaken with non-U.S. funds. Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush also suspended grants to the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) due to evidence of coercive family planning practices in China, citing violations of the 'Kemp-Kasten' amendment, which bans U.S. assistance to organizations that, as determined by the President, support or participate in the management of coercive family planning programs. President Bill Clinton resumed UNFPA funding and rescinded the Mexico City policy in 1993. In 2001, however, President George W. Bush reapplied the Mexico City policy restrictions. The Bush Administration also suspended U.S. contributions to UNFPA from FY2002 to FY2008 following a State Department investigation of family planning programs in China. In January 2009, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum rescinding the Mexico City policy. The President also stated that the United States would resume U.S. contributions to UNFPA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2012-03-16
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International Population Assistance and Family Planning Program: Issues for Congress [Updated April 11, 2008]
"Since 1965, the U.S. government has supported international population planning based on principles of volunteerism and informed choice that gives participants access to information on all methods of birth control. This policy, however, has generated contentious debate for over two decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. Given the divisive nature of this debate, U.S. funding of these programs will likely remain a point of contention during the 110th Congress. On December 26, 2007, the President signed into law H.R. 2764, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (P.L. 110-161), which directs that $395 million be made available for bilateral family planning activities. The Act also designates $40 million for UNFPA if it is determined eligible under the Kemp- Kasten amendment. The Administration's FY2009 request for bilateral family planning and reproductive health activities totals $327.53 million. The Administration also requested $25 million for UNFPA funding if the organization is deemed eligible under the Kemp-Kasten amendment. The UNFPA funds would be appropriated under the Child Survival and Health Programs account. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-04-11
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UNESCO World Heritage Convention: Congressional Issues [July 20, 2011]
"The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (the World Heritage Convention) identifies and helps protect international sites of such exceptional ecological, scientific, or cultural importance that their preservation is considered a global responsibility. Under the Convention, which entered into force in 1975, participating countries nominate sites to be included on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger (Danger List). Countries that are party to the Convention agree to protect listed sites within their borders and refrain from actions that might harm such sites in other countries. Currently, the World Heritage List is composed of 936 natural and cultural sites in 153 countries, and the Danger List includes 35 sites from 28 countries. One hundred and eighty-seven countries, including the United States, are party to the Convention. […] This report provides background information on the World Heritage Convention, outlines U.S. participation and funding, and highlights criteria for adding and removing sites from the World Heritage Lists. It discusses possible issues for the 112th Congress, including the Convention's possible impact on U.S. sovereignty, the role of the legislative branch in designating sites, and the potential implications for a site's inclusion on the Lists. The report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-07-20
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International Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress [June 26, 2012]
"U.S. family planning policy and abortion restrictions have generated contentious debate for over three decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. Given the divisive nature of this debate, U.S. funding of these programs will likely remain a point of contention during the 112th Congress. In 1984, controversy arose over U.S. family planning assistance when the Ronald Reagan Administration introduced restrictions that became known as the 'Mexico City policy.' The Mexico City policy required foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to certify that they would not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning--even if the activities were undertaken with non-U.S. funds. Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush also suspended grants to the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) due to evidence of coercive family planning practices in China, citing violations of the 'Kemp-Kasten' amendment, which bans U.S. assistance to organizations that, as determined by the President, support or participate in the management of coercive family planning programs. President Bill Clinton resumed UNFPA funding and rescinded the Mexico City policy in 1993. In 2001, however, President George W. Bush reapplied the Mexico City policy restrictions. The Bush Administration also suspended U.S. contributions to UNFPA from FY2002 to FY2008 following a State Department investigation of family planning programs in China. In January 2009, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum rescinding the Mexico City policy. The President also stated that the United States would resume U.S. contributions to UNFPA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2012-06-26
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International Population Assistance and Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress [July 24, 2008]
"Since 1965, the U.S. government has supported international population planning based on principles of volunteerism and informed choice that gives participants access to information on all methods of birth control. This policy, however, has generated contentious debate for over two decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. Given the divisive nature of this debate, U.S. funding of these programs will likely remain a point of contention during the 110th Congress. In 1984, controversy arose over U.S. population aid policy when the Reagan Administration introduced restrictions, which became known as the 'Mexico City policy.' The Mexico City policy denies U.S. funds to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning -- even if the activities are undertaken with non-U.S. funds. […] On December 26, 2007, the President signed into law H.R. 2764, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (P.L. 110-161), which directs that $395 million be made available for bilateral family planning activities. The Act also designates $40 million for UNFPA [United Nations Population Fund] if it is determined eligible under the Kemp- Kasten amendment. On June 26, 2008, the Administration announced that UNFPA was ineligible for FY2008 funding under Kemp-Kasten. The Administration's FY2009 request for bilateral family planning and reproductive health activities totals $327.53 million. The Administration also requested $25 million for UNFPA funding if the organization is deemed eligible under the Kemp-Kasten amendment. The UNFPA funds would be appropriated under the Child Survival and Health Programs account. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-07-24
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Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Congressional Issues [December 14, 2006]
"The U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women calls for Parties to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including healthcare, education, employment, domestic relations, law, commercial transactions, and political participation, among other things. As of August 11, 2006, the Convention had 98 signatures and was ratified or acceded to by 184 countries. President Carter submitted the Convention to the Senate in 1980. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings on the Convention in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 2002, but the treaty has never been considered for ratification by the full Senate. In 2002, the Bush Administration began conducting a full legal and policy review of the Convention. According to the Administration, as of March 14, 2006, the review was ongoing. A more recent update on the status could not be readily confirmed. […] This report provides background on Convention developments, including U.S. policy and Congressional actions, and considers arguments for and against ratification. It will be updated as events occur."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2006-12-14
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UNESCO World Heritage Convention: Congressional Issues [January 7, 2009]
"This report provides background information on the World Heritage Convention, outlines U.S. participation and funding, and highlights criteria for adding and removing sites from the World Heritage Lists. It discusses possible issues for the 111th Congress, including the Convention's possible impact on U.S. sovereignty, the role of the legislative branch in designating sites, and the potential implications for a site's inclusion on the Lists. The report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2009-01-07
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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [March 31, 2008]
"In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognized international violence against women (VAW) as a significant human rights and global health issue. VAW, which can include both random acts of violence as well as sustained abuse over time, can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature. Studies have found that VAW occurs in all geographic regions, countries, cultures, and economic classes, with some surveys showing that women in developing countries experience higher rates of violence than those in developed countries. Many experts view VAW as a symptom of the historically unequal power relationship between men and women, and argue that over time this imbalance has led to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate a cycle of violence. […] This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of U.S. activities that address VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It also outlines possible policy considerations for the 110th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of current U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; strengthening U.S. government coordination of international anti-VAW activities; and collaborating with international organizations such as the United Nations on anti- VAW efforts. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Margesson, Rhoda; Seelke, Clare Ribando . . .
2008-03-31
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International Population Assistance and Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress [January 26, 2009]
"Since 1965, the U.S. government has supported international population planning based on principles of volunteerism and informed choice that gives participants access to information on all methods of birth control. This policy has generated contentious debate for over two decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. Given the divisive nature of this debate, U.S. funding of these programs will likely remain a point of contention during the 111th Congress. In 1984, controversy arose over U.S. population aid policy when the Ronald Reagan Administration introduced restrictions that became known as the 'Mexico City policy.' The Mexico City policy denies U.S. funds to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning--even if the activities are undertaken with non-U.S. funds. Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush also banned grants to the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) due to evidence of coercive family planning practices in China, citing violations of the 'Kemp-Kasten' amendment, which bans U.S. assistance to organizations that support or participate in the management of coercive family planning programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2009-01-26
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Membership in the United Nations and Its Specialized Agencies [June 19, 2014]
From the introduction: "Membership in the United Nations (U.N.) has been an issue of ongoing interest for Congress. Over the years, Members have focused on the process and criteria for U.N. membership, as well as on U.S. policy and roles in determining membership. Currently, the United Nations has 193 members. The organization also has two non-member observer states, the Holy See (Vatican) and 'Palestine,' which have standing invitations to participate as observers in the sessions and work of the U.N. General Assembly. Each of the U.N. system's 15 specialized agencies--which are independent international intergovernmental organizations with their own constitutions, rules, and budgets--have different criteria and processes for membership. Examples of specialized agencies include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), U.N. Educational Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and World Health Organization (WHO). Under Article 4 of the U.N. Charter, the U.N. Security Council and U.N. General Assembly are the primary bodies involved in the process for considering U.N. membership applications. […] This report highlights key steps in the process for attaining membership in the United Nations and its specialized agencies. It discusses the capacities associated with U.N. membership and observer status, as well as criteria for and implications of membership. It also examines related U.S. legislation and recent congressional and Obama Administration actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Browne, Marjorie Ann
2014-06-19
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [January 31, 2014]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue to be a point of contention during the second session of the 113th Congress. These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in 'Roe v. Wade', which holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since Roe, Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions, often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2014-01-31
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [July 15, 2015]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of
abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these
activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue
to be a point of contention during the second session of the 114th Congress.
These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic
abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in 'Roe v. Wade', which
holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since 'Roe',
Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the
federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions,
often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in
foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2015-07-15
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2015 Leaders' Summit on U.N. Peacekeeping [October 5, 2015]
"On September 28, 2015, President Obama chaired the 2015 Leaders' Summit on United Nations (U.N.) Peacekeeping, part of his participation at the opening session of the 2015 U.N. General Assembly in New York. The summit outcome, as well as the President's new pledges for and guidance on U.S. support for U.N. peace operations, might elevate ongoing congressional interest in several policy issues related to U.N. peacekeeping, including U.S. assessed and voluntary contributions to U.N. peacekeeping costs, and concern over recent incidents of violence against civilians and sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by U.N. peacekeepers. These new developments could prove important to Congress as it conducts oversight regarding U.N. peacekeeping generally, any reform efforts undertaken by the United Nations, and possible budgetary effects of the President's new pledges to support U.N. peace operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.; Blanchfield, Luisa
2015-10-05
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [May 17, 2016]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue to be a point of contention during the 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2016-05-17
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2009 U.N. Durban Review Conference: Follow-Up to the 2001 U.N. World Conference Against Racism [November 20, 2008]
"In April 2009, U.N. member states will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, for the U.N. Durban Review Conference Against Racism (Review Conference) to examine possible progress made since the 2001 U.N. World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR), held in Durban, South Africa. At WCAR, participating governments, including the United States, sought to recommend ways for the international community to address racism. The United States withdrew from WCAR because of what it viewed as participating governments' disproportionate focus on Israel as a perpetrator of racism and intolerance in the Middle East. […] This report provides information on the 2001 World Conference Against Racism and the circumstances of U.S. withdrawal. It discusses preparations for the Durban Review Conference, including U.S. policy and reaction from other governments. It highlights possible issues for the 111th Congress, including the Review Conference preparatory process, U.S. funding of the Conference, and the political and diplomatic impact of U.S. engagement. For related information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33611, 'United Nations System Funding: Issues for Congress'. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-11-20
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New United Nations Entity for Women: Issues for Congress [May 25, 2010]
"In recent years, many in the international community have argued for elevating the status of women's issues within the United Nations (U.N.) system. They contend that the way in which the U.N. system addresses gender issues is fragmented, weak, and under-resourced. Moreover, they argue that such efforts lack clear leadership and coordination. These weaknesses, critics maintain, hinder the U.N. system's ability to promote and implement programs that enhance gender equality. In September 2009, U.N. member states, including the United States, adopted a General Assembly resolution expressing strong support for the consolidation of four U.N. bodies addressing women's issues into one composite entity. The four entities selected for consolidation were (1) the U.N. Development Fund for Women, (2) the Division for the Advancement of Women, (3) the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, and (4) the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women. According to the United Nations, voluntary and U.N. regular budget contributions for these four bodies in calendar year 2008 totaled approximately $247 million. At this time, it is unclear how the new U.N. entity will be structured or whether it will prove effective in addressing global women's issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2010-05-25
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Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Congressional Issues [Updated October 28, 2008]
"The U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW] calls for Parties to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including healthcare, education, employment, domestic relations, law, commercial transactions, and political participation. As of February 15, 2008, the Convention was ratified or acceded to by 185 countries. President Jimmy Carter submitted the Convention to the Senate in 1980. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings on the Convention in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 2002, but the treaty was never considered for ratification by the full Senate. The George W. Bush Administration began conducting a full legal and policy review of the Convention in 2002. On February 7, 2007, the Administration transmitted a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stating that it does not support Senate action on the treaty at this time. U.S. ratification of CEDAW is a contentious policy issue that has generated considerable debate in Congress and among the general public. Supporters of U.S. ratification contend that the Convention is a valuable mechanism for fighting women's discrimination worldwide. They argue that U.S. ratification of the treaty will give the Convention additional legitimacy, and that it will further empower women who fight discrimination in other countries. Opponents of ratification contend that the Convention is not the best or most efficient way to eliminate discrimination against women. They believe ratification will undermine U.S. sovereignty and impact U.S. social policy related to family planning and abortion. This report provides background on CEDAW developments, including U.S. policy and congressional actions, and considers arguments for and against ratification. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-10-28
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [January 24, 2017]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue to be a point of contention during the 115th Congress. These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, which holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since Roe, Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions, often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance. [...] The executive branch has also engaged in the debate over international abortion and family planning. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued what has become known as the 'Mexico City policy,' which required foreign non-governmental organizations receiving USAID [United States Agency for International Development] family planning assistance to certify that they would not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning, even if such activities were conducted with non-U.S. funds. The policy was [...] reinstated by President Trump on January 23, 2017. This report focuses primarily on legislative restrictions and executive branch policies related to international abortion and family planning."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2017-01-24
