SAN SALVADOR, Aug 16, 01 (CWNews.com/LSN.ca) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has responded to devastating earthquakes in El Salvador by sending reproductive health kits including abortifacient "morning-after" pills and vacuum aspirators used for early term abortions, according to Julia Cardenal, president of "Si A La Vida" (Yes to Life).
Cardenal, who heads the Salvadoran group told Conservative News Service that the UNFPA measures violate the country's constitution which state that life begins at conception. "We had two major earthquakes in El Salvador in January and February of this year, and instead of sending us food or medicine, or something to meet our needs, they sent a range of contraception devices," she said in a phone interview from El Salvador.
While the UNFPA does not deny sending the kits, they claim the aspirator is to be used for delivery and miscarriage complications and the morning-after pills are not abortions since they act prior to implantation. UNFPA and other pro-abortion groups have attempted to redefine the beginning of life at implantation rather than conception. Moreover, the Salvadoran government officials say that the UN aid does not violate the constitution.
However, pro-life groups are quick to point out that poverty-ridden El Salvador and similar countries fear losing international aid. Loans and grants by such agencies as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank are awarded on condition that Latin American countries participate in UN family planning programs, they say.
CWN - Catholic World News
16. august 2001