WASHINGTON, (February 13, 1997) -- Today the House of Representatives voted 220 to 209 in favor of the Clinton Administration's resolution to release an additional $123 million to family planning groups including those which promote and perform abortions overseas. On a separate bill offered by Congressman Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the House voted 231 to 194 to release an additional $170 million for international family planning provided no funds go to organizations that promote and perform abortion. Next week the Senate is likely to take up the Administration's proposal.

Following is a statement by Helen Alvare of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in reaction to the vote:

"We are dismayed at the House of Representatives' vote in favor of providing aid to pro-abortion groups to subsidize their overseas operations. Empowered by U.S. funds, such groups can now continue working to overturn laws protecting the unborn in foreign countries; building clinics where abortion is offered; smuggling abortion equipment into countries where abortion is illegal; and driving up abortion rates by promoting contraception and abortion together in their family planning programs. It is sad enough that abortion on demand is legal in the United States. It is an outrage that this Administration and members of Congress intend to export abortion, including illegal abortion and higher abortion rates, to the people of developing nations."

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