“There has been no request from developing countries to fund abortions in their countries as confirmed by department officials at Senate estimates in 2008,” said The Nationals’ Senator Ron Boswell today.

“I welcome Minister Smith’s comments today that the Rudd government ‘would not be driven by the decision that President Obama has made’.” “To start funding abortion in developing countries just because President Barack Obama has lifted the abortion ban on non-government organisations would be ludicrous,” said Senator Boswell.  “The AusAid Budget is finite. Funding abortion, especially in these economic hard-times would drain funds away from necessary life-saving and improvement services such as clean water, medicine and food.  This is what these countries like Zimbabwe are crying out for, not abortion.  Maternal deaths would reduce if these basic services that are currently not in place are provided. ” “Which service would have to be cut in order to provide abortion services – medicines, a village well, food, birthing kits?” “President Obama has responded to intense lobbying from Planned Parenthood, not developing countries.  Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the world, provided invaluable assistance in his presidency campaign.” Senator Boswell stated that the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America campaigned strongly against McCain and Palin and endorsed Senator Barack Obama in the recent presidential campaign.  “Obama owes Planned Parenthood who are set to benefit from the lifting of the abortion ban,” said Senator Boswell.  “The Rudd government is right in not marching to Obama’s tune which is all about domestic American politics.”  “Consideration should also be given to the Church’s role in providing health care in developing countries.  The Church provides a vital role in service delivery especially in the area of health to these countries.   Any decision to use Australia’s overseas aid programs to further the ideological aims of a pro-abortion lobby group at home and even overseas  would be fiercely opposed by many Australians including the churches and their sister aid organisations who are often the ones delivering the international aid in most instances.” “Prime Minister Rudd personally influenced many church goers to help vote Labor into office.  If his government endorses the lifting of the ban on abortion for AusAid funding, there will be many people left disappointed and shaking their heads,” said Senator Boswell. Senator Boswell said that Australia had never in its history funded abortion services as part of its overseas aid program and that it would be a highly provocative move to change that position. ENDS