Bush budget seen as next hit on women

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush's budget calls for a cut in international family planning funding seen by some as the best way to stop unintended pregnancies.

Congressional Democrats and family planning groups call it a poor move, especially from an administration opposed to abortion, The New York Times reports.

Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., said "It's ironic that an administration outwardly committed to reducing the incidence of abortion would take away valuable tools for preventing unwanted pregnancies."

An official with the department carrying out international aid defended the budget by pointing to other initiatives being funded.

Assistant administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development, Ed Fox, said $21 million has been allocated to help women in Africa against sexual assault and there's an increase in money to fight AIDS and malaria worldwide.

But family planning groups like Planned Parenthood said budget cuts worsen the problem.

They site Bush's move his first full day in office in 2001, reinstating a Reagan-era rule that blocked funding for any group providing abortions, counseling for abortions or in favor of legalized abortions.