WASHINGTON (July 19, 2001) -- Cathleen Cleaver, Esq., testified today (July 19) before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in support of the Mexico City policy. Ms. Cleaver is the Director of Planning and Information for the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Mexico City policy was reinstated by President Bush during his first days in office. It requires non-governmental organizations receiving U.S. aid to refrain from performing or promoting abortion in developing countries.

"The truth of the matter is: poor women in developing nations are not calling for help to abort their children," Ms. Cleaver said in her testimony. "They are calling for food, housing and medicine for themselves and their children so that they can lead lives of full human dignity. With the Mexico City policy in place, the United States can best respond to their pleas and respond with respect for their personal dignity and their humanity."

Full text of Ms. Cleaver's testimony.

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