Re: "A problem that's sure to multiply – U.S. should double spending on global family planning, says Trammell S. Crow," April 17 Viewpoints.

Mr. Crow underscores the importance of international assistance for voluntary family planning services and education.

Our neighbors to the south deserve special attention. Latin America has achieved a significant decline in fertility rates, but a high rate of teenage pregnancy persists and is actually increasing in many countries. Yet international development commitments for this region continue to decline.

In recent years, the United States government support for family planning in Latin America has declined dramatically. The Global Gag Rule, reinstated by President Bush in 2001, has further undermined decades of work to strengthen health systems in the developing world by denying support to the best programs in so many countries.

The upcoming election gives the United States an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the international development agenda through increased budget allocations for comprehensive family planning services.

Carmen Barroso, Regional Director, International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region, New York

Source: dallasnews.com, 28 April 2008