Dear President Bush,
I am writing to express my extreme displeasure that you have chosen to reinstate the global "gag" rule, as well as my dismay that you would do so on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
This action leaves no room for doubt that you oppose women's reproductive rights and that you do not intend to play the role of "uniter" when it comes to women's health.
The global "gag" rule DOES NOT shield taxpayers from paying for abortions and your argument to this point is false and misleading. Indeed, it has been illegal to use U.S. funds for abortion since 1973. The global "gag" rule restricts family planning organizations that use their own privately raised, non-U.S. funds to lobby their own government on reproductive health matters, a restriction that would be unconstitutional if imposed here in the U.S.
Please consider the impact that your actions have on the lives of women around the world. I hope that your future acts as President will show a greater capacity for compassion and respect for women.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
