Minister of International Development Erik Solheim (Socialist Left Party) has pledged political and economic support for the fund that is being established under the Global Safe Abortion Programme by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

“Because this is an urgent matter, we will do our utmost to speed up the establishment of the fund. Norway’s support will amount to at least NOK 10 million (about USD 1.5 million) per year from 2007, or perhaps even from 2006 if the fund is established in time,” said Mr Solheim.

This year alone some 19 million unsafe abortions will be performed. As a result of unqualified personnel and unhygienic conditions, the women who undergo these abortions risk serious injury, disease and death according to a new IPPF report supported by the UK. The vast majority of these women live in the world’s poorest countries.

“Virtually every one of these deaths and injuries could have been avoided if the women had had access to a safe abortion alternative, in addition to contraception, sexual education and family planning services,” said Mr Solheim. He stressed that Norway must respect each country’s legislation in this field, but that the countries have a responsibility to deal with the consequences of unsafe abortions. In this connection preventive efforts are of great importance.

According to the government’s policy platform, Norway will work internationally to secure women’s reproductive health and to promote the decriminalisation of abortion. In this area Norway disagrees with the USA. In line with the so-called Mexico City policy, the Republican administration has withheld support for international organisations that promote safe abortion through information or services. This has also had negative consequences for the international efforts to prevent the spread of HIV.

“There is no reason to hide that our position on this matter is the opposite of that of President Bush and his administration. Norway considers it important to increase international awareness of this problem, which has been neglected for far too long,” Mr Solheim added.

Press contact: Trine Broe-Andersen, mobile phone: +47 47 64 74 60