CWL Members Resources of Recent Correspondence Re: Foreign Aid Programs that Support Abortion February 14, 2001.

Last year The Catholic Women's League of Canada made the decision to support the World March of Women 2000 because the two main objectives of the March, eradication of poverty and violence against women, have been issues of concern to League members for many years. Participation in the March demonstrated our solidarity with women in Canada and around the world who suffer from violence and poverty.

The March ended for us with the rally October 15, 2000 on Parliment Hill. Although the March has ended as League members, we continue to address the issues of poverty and violence against women through action within our councils and communities.

The Catholic Women's League of Canada has always made it clear that some of the demands being made could not and would not, be supported by the League. It has come to our attention that the international organizing committee is calling on national organizing committees to stage protests in reaction to the announcement that US President George W. Bush intends to reinstate a ban on US foreign aid to programs that promote abortion.

We applaud the initiative President Bush has taken and will continue to put pressure on the Canadian Government to take similar stands that demonstrate respect for a life at all stages.

The Catholic Women's League of Canada will continue to be unwavering in its commitment to life issues and in no way support any initiatives calling for support of abortion rights.