The U.S. House of Representatives voted 235-187 Wednesday to approve H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Reauthorization Act, which creates an "Office for Global Women's Issues" to coordinate and support efforts regarding "women's empowerment" around the world.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently testified before the Foreign Affairs Committee that this administration "will protect the rights of women, including their rights to reproductive health care" — which includes abortion.
Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life Action called the move a "grave injustice to women around the world."
"Our elected representatives have no business using the diplomatic strong arm of the United States to avidly promote abortion expansion overseas and undermine pro-life laws around the world," she said in a statement. "I call on the Senate to reject this proposal."
H.R. 2410 also would require the U.S. government to track violence in other countries that is "based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.”
The legislation now goes to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
— Jennifer Mesko
