For 8 years, the United States, a leading resource for aid and education in underdeveloped regions, refused to teach African women about abortion – even in nations like Zambia, where abortion is legal. Former President George W. Bush signed the Global Gag Rule in 2001, which denied all American aid workers the ability to educate foreign civilians about safe abortion procedures. Meanwhile, millions of young mothers self-administered abortions anyway, often dying shortly thereafter.

This short documentary, entitled “Access Denied”, informed millions of Americans about the situation, in hopes of appealing the ill-conceived Global Gag Rule. A few short months ago, the fight was finally over, and President Barack Obama lifted the ban.

“Access Denied” is a Population International production.
For more information go to: www.population.org

Sources:

“Doctors Campaign for Safe Abortion in Zambia” (Sally Chiwama) Women’s News Network Online. June 12, 2009

“HEALTH: Obama Lifts ‘Global Gag Rule’” (Jim Lobe)  IPS News. January 23, 2009

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