Effective programs must be continued

Recently I traveled to Africa with a group of Christian women and saw first-hand the ravages of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. On returning home, I was heartened by the proposal outlined in the president’s State of the Union address to dramatically increase U.S. funding in response to it.

However, I am deeply disturbed to learn that the administration is contemplating an expansion of the so-called Mexico City policy to cover some or all international HIV/AIDS funds, thereby disqualifying from U.S. funding many organizations positioned to be key partners in carrying out the “emergency AIDS initiative.” Any such restrictions can only impede progress in the battle against HIV/AIDS and erode the good will generated by the administration’s renewed commitment to funding HIV/AIDS programs.

At this critical time it is urgent to eliminate barriers to effective programs, not erect new ones. I trust that the administration will abandon its plan to expand these restrictions in any form.

Marysville