Controversy in Canada has arisen over the grant of $18 million given to International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) by Canada in 2006 for a three year period (see REALity, Jan/Feb 2010,). This grant, to date, has not been renewed by the government. With good reason.
IPPF has 150 member associations in 179 countries. It is one of the largest abortion providers world wide, and lobbies to redefine “sexual and reproductive health”, at every level of government to include abortion made available to women and adolescents. IPPF is one of the most strongly supported international NGO’s at the UN. It works with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
No better example of the IPPF activities at the UN can be demonstrated, than by its actions at the recent (March 1-12th, 2010) UN Commission on the Status of Women. To start with, at this meeting, IPPF distributed bumper stickers stating “My Body. My Choice. My Pleasure”. This explicitly demonstrates IPPF’s determination to establish unrestricted sex and sexuality, no matter how perverse and damaging it might be, as an international human right.
IPPF also held an event at this meeting at which adults were ushered from the room because it was “for girls” only. Fortunately, one of REAL Women’s team included a 17-year-old young adult who was allowed to enter the meeting. By luck, she obtained a ringside seat at the event, sitting directly behind a row of individuals associated with IPPF. Throughout the entire proceedings, the latter made faces, laughed and mocked anyone who opposed IPPF’s positions. The panelists at this event talked about the right to sex, that abortion is freedom for young girls who don’t want to get pregnant, that sex shouldn’t be such a taboo subject, that more young people should be sexually active, that abortion is just a back-up contraceptive and a means to have good sex without consequences, such as having a child. One panelist suggested that making sex better for teens would be achieved by providing contraceptives in schools, and by teaching kids about good sex, instead of “scaring” them by informing them of health issues.
During the question period, a young woman bravely asked why, instead of pushing contraceptives on teens, was IPPF not teaching abstinence? The IPPF officials just laughed. Another question was raised as to the fact that since there are no UN documents referring to abortion: why is this issue being pushed at the UN? The response was that slavery was an issue and now it isn’t, and no one wrote up anything on that in any official document! The majority present in the room clapped at this “brilliant” reply.
The IPPF also distributed at this CSW a brochure promoting teen sex called “Healthy, Happy and Hot – a Young Person’s Guide to their Rights, Sexuality and Living with HIV”. The brochure was for young people with HIV, and graphically depicted both same-sex and opposite sex couples in great detail “exploring their sexuality”. The brochure stated:
Young people living with HIV may feel that sex is just not an option but don’t worry – many young people living with HIV live healthy, fun, happy and sexually fulfilling lives. You can too, if you want to! Things get easier (and sex can get even better) as you become more comfortable with your status).
This was just the beginning. Over the next two pages, the brochure emphasizes the point that “young people with HIV have the right to decide if, when, and how to disclose their HIV status.” It does explain some of the benefits of disclosure, like the shared responsibility of ensuring sex is safe, but the decision is still up to the HIV carrier.
A few pages down, the words “Sexual Pleasure” are printed at the top. Below it reads:
Young people living with HIV have the right to sexual pleasure. Sex can feel great and can be really fun! Many people think sex is just about vaginal or anal intercourse…but there are lots of different types of sex.
The brochure explains different options that are too inappropriate to report here. The next page suggests people start masturbating, suggesting that it is a great way to find out what you find stimulating. Then it says, “Don’t stop there: Find out how your partner’s body works” then the brochure explains exactly how to do that.
The brochure does admit to some of the risks of sexual activity, including HIV and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases/infections), but assures readers that they have a right to health services that will help them monitor their sexual and reproductive health.
Canadian taxpayers should not be required to financially support this organization.
Please let the government know that it should not fund International Planned Parenthood with our tax money.
Please write to:
The Honourable Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington St.
Ottawa ON K1A 0A2
Fax: (613) 941-6900
The Honourable Bev Oda
Minister of International Cooperation
House of Commons ?Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6?
Fax: (613) 992-2794
Your MP
House of Commons
Ottawa ON K1A 0A6
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