Res. No. 1719 Title Resolution urging President Bush to reconsider and reverse his policy barring federal funds to any foreign, non-governmental organization whose family planning activities include abortion services, counseling or referrals. Body By Council Members Berman, Carrion, Freed, Lopez, Miller, Moskowitz, Nelson, Perkins, Quinn, Reed and Warden; also Council Member Eisland, Fisher, Harrison, Koslowitz, Leffler, McCaffrey, Michels, Robinson, Sabini and The Public Advocate (Mr. Green) Whereas, According to news reports, on January 22, 2001, the newly inaugurated President, George W. Bush announced his intention to issue an Executive Order which bars federal funds to any foreign, non-governmental organization whose family planning activities include abortion services, counseling or referrals; and Whereas, Such a prohibition was originally enacted under former President Reagan, and was eliminated by President Clinton; and Whereas, The ban is a punitive measure that goes far beyond its stated goal of prohibiting United States taxpayer support for abortions overseas, because current federal law already prohibits using federal tax dollars to perform or promote abortions overseas; and Whereas, This measure actually punishes those foreign family planning organizations that provide abortion services, counseling or referrals as a component of their family planning activities, even though they use other funds to do this; and Whereas, Such a punitive policy will only add to the suffering of countless people in countries in desperate need of our assistance; and Whereas, Not only is this action, announced on the first business day of the new Administration and on the Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, contrary to the views held by a majority of United States citizens, but will also hurt our country's position as a world leader in promoting equal rights, a position already taken by the leadership of the European Union who termed this a "step backwards" in our country's stance on women's rights and equality; and Whereas, Such a policy places restraints on the ability of foreign groups to engage in expressive conduct such as counseling and advocacy, as well as to make services available which are Constitutionally guaranteed to our own citizens, and would be unconstitutional if applied to groups in our own country; now therefore be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York urges President Bush to reconsider and reverse his policy barring federal funds to any foreign, non-governmental organization whose family planning activities include abortion services, counseling or referrals.