Family planning morality defended

NOBODY has a monopoly on morality where human lives are at stake, according to the International Planned Parenthood Federation, defending itself against accusations that it is "promoting immoral practices".

Ms Ingar Brueggemann, secretary general, said the federation needs to be "much more assertive about our policies and programmes, more offensive than defensive".

In its annual report for 1995-96, Ms Brueggemann says the organisation is being "attacked in certain quarters as though it is us who are promoting immoral practices". But "no individual, no group of individuals, no organisation, has a monopoly on morality where human lives and well being are at stake. Better women alive following sound family planning methods or - as a last resort - safe interventions in cases of unwanted pregnancies than women who die or remain physically and emotionally planning or following unsafe, unprofessional terminations."

The federation has member organisations in 150 countries, including Ireland, and works on a global scale to "promote and provide sexual and reproductive health and family planning services, and to develop public support for sustainable population, environment and development policies".

According to its annual report, "family planning is central to development efforts world wide and "not just a consumer sector for which a few dollars are spent reluctantly".

The report highlights the danger that in enhancing the role of women, the "importance of men in family planning and sexual and reproductive health is overlooked or neglected". A number of family planning associations have started clinics and counselling services aimed at men.

Planned Parenthood had total funding last year of just over $125 million, including donations from governments. Japan, Sweden and Britain are the biggest donors with grants totalling almost $45 million. The Irish Government is not an individual donor, but is included in the EU contribution.