European Members of World Bank Spurn Changes to Family-Planning Policy

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The Wall Street Journal reports today that, in a closed meeting yesterday at the World Bank, European members objected to a Washington-supported proposal to change the bank’s family-planning policy, which would put in place age restrictions on family-planning assistance, including abortions. Cameron wrote a few weeks ago about Wolfowitz’ denial of any changes to its family-planning policy, one that has long been an integral part of the bank’s development strategy. The former Iraq war architect said, in response to accusations, “Let me make it very clear. Our policy hasn’t changed.” But the Government Accountability Project found documents that contradict his statement.

Wolfowitz’ transgressions, past and present, are not making him any friends. Aside from the European members who “revolted” against the family-planning policy amendment, “rank-and-file” employees are wearing blue ribbons (good-governance ribbons) to signify that they don’t trust him. Well, this is not news to us. Mother Jones hasn’t trusted Wolfowitz for awhile. Here are a few of our reasons why.

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A full one-third of our annual fundraising comes in this month alone. That’s risky, because a strong December means our newsroom is on the beat and reporting at full strength—but a weak one means budget cuts and hard choices ahead.

With just hours left, we need a huge surge in reader support to get to our $400,000 year-end goal. Whether you've given before or this is your first time, your contribution right now matters. All gifts are 3X matched and tax-deductible.

Managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom is staggeringly hard. There’s no cushion in our budget—no backup revenue, no corporate safety net. We can’t afford to fall short, and we can’t rely on corporations or deep-pocketed interests to fund the fierce, investigative journalism Mother Jones exists to do. That’s why we need you right now. Please chip in to help close the gap.

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