Europe to fund US abortion shortfall

Independent, The (London) ,  Feb 5, 2001   by Stephen Castle in Brussels

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EUROPE IS to replace the money cut off by President George Bush to pro-abortion family-planning organisations, in what Brussels calls a move "to fill the decency gap".

In one of the first demonstrations of a stark difference between the European Union and the new American administration, the European Commission and EU governments say they are ready to help agencies denied aid by Washington's anti-abortion stance.

The scale of the transatlantic rift became clear in an exchange of correspondence between EU capitals. In a letter to the European Commission, the Dutch minister for development co-operation, Eveline Herfkens, said she was "absolutely appalled" by the US action. It could, she said, mean "some very important international development organisations might soon find themselves out of business". The European commissioner for development, Poul Nielson, said: "If it is necessary for others to fill the decency gap in view of recent decisions, we will do it."

Mr Nielson is hoping the European Commission can make up the multi- million- pound shortfall left by the Bush decision. He said: "Millions and millions of poor, marginalised and abused women in this world need our support."

President Bush introduced an executive order banning international agencies using US funds to provide abortions abroad. The groups say much of their work involves offering advice on contraception, which reduces the number of abortions.

Britain's position should become clearer this week when Mr Nielson meets Clare Short, the Secretary of State for International Development.