Celebrating the impact of contraception
Today, we celebrate World Contraception Day. We thank God for these life-changing contraceptives that have come to save women’s lives around the world.
We continue to advocate for women and couples to have access to comprehensive family planning services so that they can plan their families.
As a way to celebrate World Contraception Day, read these deeply inspiring stories of women from around the world on The Huffington Post.
As we continue to do this work, even in the midst of the crises facing our world, I am reminded of a particular scripture.
Philippians 4:6-7 (RSV)
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
When I start to feel anxious about the terrible decisions our leaders have made, I pray for the peace of God. I try to keep my mind focused on Christ instead of the suffering that these decisions will ultimately produce. I remind myself that God desires justice.
On Sept. 7, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee rejected President Trump’s proposed budget that cut funding for foreign aid and the U.N. Instead, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $51 billion for international aid. Significantly, through an amendment introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and other senators, the Appropriations Committee voted to overturn the Mexico City Policy. The bill also restored funding to U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA).
We are grateful for the leadership that the Senate Appropriations Committee has shown. We do not know whether this bill will survive and become law, but it is a step toward the right direction. Even if Congress earmarks funding for UNFPA, the administration could withhold funding.
Friends, we have our work cut out for us, but we should not be anxious about anything. We serve a mighty God, and the people for whom we advocate are God’s children around the world. As we celebrate World Contraception Day, I encourage you to keep writing to your representatives and senators urging them to continue funding international family planning.
Because of the U.S. taxpayer money, many women and girls have survived childbirth and associated complications. Thousand can now access comprehensive family planning services to help them delay pregnancy or prevent unwanted pregnancy. We do not want to lose these gains through draconian budget cuts or irrelevant policies.
Join us and become an advocate of change. We train those who want to become international family planning or maternal health advocates. Please feel free to contact Pauline at pmuchina@umjustice.org.
Happy International Contraceptives Day! May our hearts and minds focus on Jesus Christ in all of our undertakings.
