Charity Watchlist – Get Involved | American Life League

The list of charitable research organizations and their corresponding positions on the life issues posted to our website is neither all pro-life nor all anti-life; it is mixed. Unfortunately, most of the organizations on our list are marked with the red minus sign. It is simply just a sad fact that most national medical research/advocacy groups support some form of unethical research. There is no listing, to our knowledge, of only pro-life research organizations.

A green positive/plus sign indicates that ALL considers the organization worthy of support from pro-lifers. ALL considers an organization to be pro-life if it is opposed to abortion, human embryonic stem cell and/or aborted fetal body parts research, all forms of cloning and other attacks against the human person at any stage of development as well as Planned Parenthood Federation and other pro-abortion organizations.

A red negative/minus signs indicates that ALL does not consider the organization worthy of support from pro-lifers. If the organization supports, in any way (theory, advocacy, lobbying, granting and/or research) any offenses to life, it is not considered pro-life. Further, if any organization refuses to answer our inquiries, refuses to be clear about its position and/or attempts to couch its answer in terms of referring to another agency (i.e., federal government branches), it is not considered pro-life.

A plain yellow circle indicates that ALL urges caution when considering support for the organization due to a change in a prior rating. That is, an organization may have previously received a green positive or a red negative because of certain policy positions which are now questionable or cannot be verified.

The rating is based on the organizations response to written correspondence (regular postal or e-mail), a review of the organizations website, verifiable news reports, verifiable correspondence forwarded to us by others and/or a combination of any of these.

Research into other organizations not listed is an on-going process, but may be limited by staff and resources at ALL. If you have information (and documentation) about organizations that you would like to see listed, we would be most happy to receive it. Currently, we are not in a position to print the list (it amounts to more than 100 pages, not including documentation in hyperlinks) however, feel free to pass the link to the website to everyone you know!

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation 333 E. Lancaster Ave Suite 414 Wynnewood, PA 19096 Phone: 866-333-1213 Fax: 610-649-3038 http://www.alexslemonade.org Liz Scott, Alex's mother and co-executive director of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, stated in an e-mail to ALL in May, 2012, that: "Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has not funded anything even remotely related to embryonic stem cell research."

However, when it was pointed out to Mrs. Scott that, according to the Foundation's website, there were grant funds being directed toward researchers and research facilities that support, promote and conduct such research, she responded:

"Although we have not issued a public policy position, I can tell you that ALSF has always followed all federal guidelines for research that involves human-derived cells and tissues. We are very sensitive to the variety of opinions on issues related to stem cells, and are committed to funding research programs that meet all of the stringent ethical standards at the institutional, foundation and government levels, that are designed to find cures for childhood cancer. I can tell you that when we award funds to our grant recipients 100% of the funds are used for their project onlythe institution is not allowed to take any indirect costs or general operating costs from the award funds or to use funds for other projects."

ALL cautions that federal guidelines allow for both human embryonic stem cell research and the use of aborted fetal materials in research.

When contacted by email in July 2014 with an update request, someone by the name of Lisa responded:

We do not have a policy. We have never received an application that includes embryonic stem cells so this isnt an issue for us.

When asked what the organization would do if it did receive a grant application that involved the use of human embryonic stem cells or aborted fetal material, there was no further reply.

Alliance for Aging Research 1700 K Street, NW Suite 740 Washington, DC 20006 Phone: 202-293-2856 Fax: 202-955-8394 http://www.agingresearch.org The Alliance for Aging Research is a 501(c)(3) group that advocates for medical research and scientific discoveries to improve the health and independence of Americans as they age. As such, the Alliance supports public policies that advance research involving both adult and embryonic stem cells and regenerative medicine in general.

While the Alliance for Aging Research opposes efforts to copy human life through cloning technologies, it is a leader among patient groups and science advocates supporting public funding for broad activities in stem cell research as well as therapeutic cloning of compatible stem cell lines for research and potential therapies. On its own and through membership in the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, the Alliance will support the enactment of legislation to encourage increased federal funding for advances in stem cell research. https://web.archive.org/web/20130907070614/http://www.agingresearch.org/content/topic/detail/?id=1018&template=position

UPDATE: July 2, 2014

In an email to ALL from Noel Lloyd, Communications Manager at AAR:

The Alliance supports public policies that advance medical research with the potential to prevent, postpone or otherwise lessen diseases and disabilities that increase with aging. This includes policy support though not direct funding of a broad scope of regenerative medicine, including research on induced pluripotent and human embryonic stem cells.

Alliance for Regenerative Medicine 525 2nd Street, N.E. Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202-568-6240 http://www.alliancerm.org "The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM)s mission is to advance regenerative medicine by representing, supporting and engaging all stakeholders in the field, including companies, academic research institutions, patient advocacy groups, foundations, health insurers, financial institutions and other organizations."

According to the website, regenerative medicine includes cell-based therapies, gene therapy, biologics, tissue engineering, bio-banking, and stem cells for drug discovery, toxicity testing and disease modeling. It is this last branch of regenerative medicine which causes the most concern: "Companies are increasingly learning to leverage the use of stem cells and/or living tissue constructs to create in vitro models to study human mechanisms of disease and the effects of drugs on a variety of cell and tissue types such as human heart, liver and brain cells. These models, built predominantly using embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, allow for faster and safer drug development." (http://alliancerm.org/industry-snapshot)

Many of ARM's membersare companies, foundations, and associations with public positions of support for human embryonic stem cell research.

ALS Association (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association) 1275 K Street, NW Suite 250 Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 202-407-8580 http://www.alsa.org In an email to ALL from Carrie Munk at the ALS Association July 2, 2014:

The ALS Association primarily funds adult stem cell research. Currently, The Association is funding one study using embryonic stem cells (ESC), and the stem cell line was established many years ago under ethical guidelines set by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); this research is funded by one specific donor, who is committed to this area of research. In fact, donors may stipulate that their funds not be invested in this study or any stem cell project. Under very strict guidelines, The Association may fund embryonic stem cell research in the future.

The ALS Association also financially supports NEALS (the Northeast ALS Consortium) which performs human embryonic stem cell research:

The ALS Association Awards $500,000 to the NEALS Consortium for Its TREAT ALS Clinical Trials Network For the sixth consecutive year, The ALS Association is pleased to announce its support of the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS), the largest consortium of ALS clinical researchers in the world. This years award totals $500,000 and will fund new initiatives and ongoing programs that will increase the quality and efficiency of clinical trials for ALS. (www.alsa.org/news/archive/neals-consortium-award.html)

The Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) is an international, independent, non-profit group of researchers who collaboratively conduct clinical research in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases.

Study utilizing the spinal cord neural stem cells from electively aborted fetus.

Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Avenue Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601-7633 Phone: 312-335-8700 Fax: 866-699-1246 http://www.alz.org The Alzheimers Association policy supports and encourages any legitimate scientific avenue that offers the potential to advance this goal, including human embryonic stem cell research; and, we oppose any restriction or limitation on research, provided that appropriate scientific review, and ethical and oversight guidelines and compliance are in place." http://www.alz.org/national/documents/statements_stemcell.pdf

American Cancer Society 250 Williams St., NW Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 800-227-2345 http://www.cancer.org The American Cancer Society is not considered a pro-life organization for the following reasons:

Support for human embryonic stem cell research

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has, for many years, insisted that the federal government remains the institution best suited to both fund and oversee research using human embryonic stem cells while claiming to fund only explorations into uses of human adult stem cells and stem cells from umbilical cord blood.

However, in August 2001, when then-President Bush signed an executive order restricting federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research to stem cell lines that were already in existence at the time, the ACS issued a statement commending the administration for allowing stem cell research to proceed, and expressed hope for its future.

The Society believes that such research holds extraordinary potential in the fight against a variety of life-threatening diseases currently afflicting an estimated 140 million Americans, the statement said. It continued, The American Cancer Society commends the Administration for allowing this vital scientific research to proceedeven in a limited way.

The American Cancer Society remains hopeful that both the government and commercial sectors will continue to work collaboratively and with an open mind to explore additional solutions that will allow for the continuation of human embryonic stem cell research as necessary and appropriate, the ACS statement concluded.

These statements can no longer be found on the ACS website, but can be viewed here: http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20030626004233/http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_President_Supports_Limited_Stem_Cell_Research.asp

Keep in mind that during the eight years that followed Bushs order, Congress passed legislation to expand human embryonic stem cell research and each time it was vetoed. When President Barack Obama took office in 2009, one of his first acts as president was to issue an executive order expanding the research policy. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) began funding grants in the field of human embryonic stem cell research.

No ACS grants which provide for the direct funding of human embryonic stem cell research have been identified; however, grant funding to facilities and labs where such research abounds is indeed prominent.

The American Cancer Society has, in the past, also awarded financial grants to Planned Parenthood, the nations leading provider of abortion. http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/american-cancer-society-gives-planned-parenthood-grant-money-for-just-sayin

Despite the outcry over the connection to Planned Parenthood, the ACS maintains the association. Visitors to the ACS website can type Planned Parenthood into the search field and find a number of results:

Referral to Planned Parenthood as source of information and support for testicular cancer: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicularcancer/moreinformation/doihavetesticularcancer/do-i-have-testicular-cancer-add-res and http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003172-pdf.pdf

Referral to Planned Parenthood as source of information and support for cervical cancer: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/overviewguide/cervical-cancer-overview-additional

The ACS refers to Planned Parenthood as a Voluntary Health Organization which should be invited into schools: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/keycommunityrepresentativespdf.pdf

Planned Parenthood affiliate locations are used as sites for ACS awareness activities: http://www.cancer.org/myacs/eastern/areahighlights/cancernynj-news-blue-albany

The ACS notes that use of IUDs correlate with decreased risk of cervical cancer and that multiple pregnancies correlate to increased risk. The ACS recommends the HPV vaccine (Gardasil or Ceravax). The ACS also lists Planned Parenthood Federation of America as a source of information and support concerning HPV. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003042-pdf.pdf

J. Diane Redd, ACS Director for Major and Planned Gifts for New Jersey is a former fundraiser for Planned Parenthood: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/otherwaystogive/plannedgiving/diane_redd

Mady J. Schuman, a member of ACS' executive leadership used to work for Planned Parenthood: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/otherwaystogive/plannedgiving/mady_schuman

Kris Kim, ACS' CEO for the Eastern Division was the associate vice president for communications at Planned Parenthood New York City: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@eastern/documents/document/acspc-028409.pdf

Similarly, the American Cancer Society has links to another pro-hESCR/pro-abortion organizationLance Armstrongs LIVESTRONG. The ACS is listed as an ambassador to the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign in honor of Lance Armstrongs return to professional cycling (http://www.livestrong.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Strength/LIVESTRONG-Societies/Ambassadors). Ambassadors committed to donating $250,000 or more in 2009.

Lance Armstrong supports human embryonic stem cell research http://livestrongblog.org/2009/03/09/president-obama-lifts-stem-cell-funding-ban/ and the LIVESTRONG Foundation lists abortion providers on its website. http://www.livestrong.com/search/?mode=standard&search=planned+parenthood

Aside from the American Cancer Societys support for human embryonic stem cell research and questionable grant funding, it refuses to acknowledge the abortion/breast cancer link and declines to even support the idea that doctors should mention it to their patients. Source: http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/newsletter102202.htm

Lastly, in its document on fertility in women with cancer, the ACS suggests egg freezing, embryo freezing, in vitro fertilization, egg donation, and surrogacy. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/acspc-041244-pdf.pdf

And, in its document on fertility in men with cancer, the ACS suggests sperm banking, sperm donation and in vitro fertilization. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/acspc-041228-pdf.pdf

American Council on Science and Health 1995 Broadway Suite 202 New York, NY 10023-5860 Phone: 866-905-2694 Fax: 212-362-4919 http://www.acsh.org The American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) is a consumer education consortium concerned with issues related to food, nutrition, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, lifestyle, the environment, and health. ACSH was founded in 1978 by a group of scientists who had become concerned that many important public policies related to health and the environment did not have a sound scientific basis. These scientists created the organization to add reason and balance to debates about public health issues and to bring common sense views to the public. http://www.acsh.org/about/

Im pleased with the courts [U.S. appeals court rules in favor of stem cell research, August 2012] decision, says ACSHs Dr. Gilbert Ross, since stem cells have such vast potential to solve currently insoluble medical problems, including illnesses such as ALS and perhaps, eventually, Alzheimers disease. Certainly, to continue scientific advances in this field, research on stem cells must not be discouraged. http://acsh.org/2012/08/u-s-appeals-court-rules-in-favor-of-stem-cell-research/

ACSH has been a fervent advocate for supporting research progress in ESCs (embryonic stem cells) for years, despite the controversy involving the objections of some to using human embryonic tissues in research. http://acsh.org/2013/07/small-step-in-stem-cell-research-a-giant-leap-for-mankind/

American Diabetes Association National Office 1701 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311 Phone: 800-342-2383 http://www.diabetes.org We strongly support the protection and expansion of all forms of stem cell research, which offer great hope for a cure and better treatments for diabetes. We support legislation and proposals that enhance funding for stem cell research at the federal and state levels. http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy/advocacy-priorities/funding/stem-cell-research.html#sthash.PUBLIjKV.FhjarP2n.dpuf

The American Diabetes Association applauds President Obama for issuing an Executive Order that will advance stem cell research by lifting existing restrictions on the use of embryonic stem cells, while maintaining strict ethical guidelines.

The American Diabetes Association has long been a strong advocate for ending the current restrictions on stem cell research. http://www.diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/2009/statement-from-the-american-2009.html

American Heart Association National Service Center 7272 Greenville Ave Dallas, TX 75231 Phone: 800-242-8721 http://www.heart.org The American Heart Association website states the following regarding stem cell research:

Stem Cell Research The American Heart Association funds meritorious research involving human adult stem cells because it helps us fight heart disease and stroke. We dont fund research involving stem cells derived from human embryos or fetal tissue.

However, it continues:

Inducing adult stem cells into a pluripotent state may lead to patient-specific cell therapies that could reduce many of the underlying complications in therapies with embryonic stem cells.

Its important for research to continue in both cell types. To know how induced adult stem cells need to perform, we must know more about the innate function of embryonic stem cells. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Research-Topics_UCM_438796_Article.jsp

American Lung Association 55 Wacker Dr., Suite 1150 Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: 312-801-7630 http://www.lung.org The American Lung Association recognizes that research with human stem cells offer significant potential to further our understanding of fundamental lung biology and to develop cell-based therapies to treat lung disease. The American Lung Association supports the responsible pursuit of research involving the use of human stem cells. http://www.lung.org/get-involved/advocate/advocacy-documents/research.pdf

American Medical Association AMA Plaza 330 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 39300 Chicago, IL 60611-5885 Phone: 80-262-3211 http://www.ama-assn.org "The principles of medical ethics of the AMA do not prohibit a physician from performing an abortion in accordance with good medical practice and under circumstances that do not violate the law." http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/code-medical-ethics/opinion201.page?

The AMA supports the legal availability of mifepristone (RU-486) for appropriate research and, if indicated, clinical practice. (Res. 100, A-90; Amended: Res. 507, A-99) http://www.ama-assn.org/ad-com/polfind/Hlth-Ethics.pdf

The AMA reaffirms its position in support of the use of fetal tissue obtained from induced abortion for scientific research. (Res. 540, A-92; Reaffirmed: CSA Rep. 8, A-03) http://www.ama-assn.org/ad-com/polfind/Hlth-Ethics.pdf

Our AMA (1) supports continued research employing fetal tissue obtained from induced abortion, including investigation of therapeutic transplantation; and (2) demands that adequate safeguards be taken to isolate decisions regarding abortion from subsequent use of fetal tissue, including the anonymity of the donor, free and non-coerced donation of tissue, and the absence of financial inducement. (Res. 170, I-89; Reaffirmed by Res. 91, A-90; Modified: Sunset Report, I-00) http://www.ama-assn.org/ad-com/polfind/Hlth-Ethics.pdf

American Parkinson's Disease Association National Office 135 Parkinson Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305 Phone: 800-223-2732 Fax: 718-981-4399 http://www.apdaparkinson.org "We were very pleased on September 28, 2010 that the DC Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of the preliminary injunction pending its review of the appeal of the judicial challenge to federal funding for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research. Without getting mired down in all the various terms and courts, what this means is that federal funding for hESC research will continue at least for the time period that it takes for the Court of Appeals to review Judge Lamberth's August 23rd decision to enjoin funding. You should also know that yesterday the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), of which PAN is a founding member, filed an amicus brief in the District Court. This brief supports and compliments the Department of Justice (DoJ) brief that was filed on behalf of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Monday."

[Department of Veteran Affairs and APDA Winter 2011 Parkinson Press Newsletter] http://bit.ly/1nsENqi

American Red Cross 2025 E. Street NW Washington, DC 20006 Phone: 202-303-4498 http://www.redcross.org A report issued from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in December of 2011 caused concerns that the organization may start advocating for abortion rights.

In a section of the report on human rights, IFRC quotes a widely criticized document issued by Anand Grover, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, which said,

"States must take measures to ensure that legal and safe abortion services are available, accessible, and of good quality." The IFRC report goes on to editorialize, "But the real challenge is to find out how many states will indeed change their policies accordingly.

This may lead some to believe IFRC could eventually declare abortion a human right as Amnesty International did in 2007. Amid much controversy, Amnesty International simply announced that endorsing abortion as a right was a "natural" outgrowth of its 2-year campaign countering violence against women. http://www.c-fam.org/fridayfax/volume-14/analysis-is-the-red-cross-about-to-declare-abortion-a-human-right.html.

There have been no further developments in this area.

The American Red Cross has no formal public policy statements that we could find on life issues. It should be noted, however, that the American Red Cross has been under intense scrutiny and has been sued repeatedly by federal regulators to force improvements in blood safety. http://www.forbes.com/sites/gerganakoleva/2012/01/17/american-red-cross-fined-9-6-million-for-unsafe-blood-collection/

The American Red Cross also has a Diversity Program which officially recognizes and encourages participation in Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. American Red Cross Fires Employee for Refusal to Celebrate 'Gay and Lesbian Pride Month,' LifeSiteNews, August 5, 2005

American Spinal Injury Association 2020 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, GA 30309 Phone: 404-355-9772 Fax: 404-355-1826 ASIA_Office@shepherd.org http://asia-spinalinjury.org/ ASIA is a multidisciplinary organization whose membership is composed of physicians and allied health professionals specifically involved in spinal cord injury management. Current membership numbers 452 of which 85% are physicians. The remaining 15% are nurses, therapists, psychologists and other allied health professionals.

ASIA positions on the life topics are not clear; ALL is awaiting a response to our inquiry.

American Thoracic Society 25 Broadway New York, NY 10004 Phone: 212-315-6498 http://www.thoracic.org The American Thoracic Society (ATS) is an organization dedicated to serving patients with lung disease through research, advocacy, training, and patient care. As such, it supports making federal funding available for research using human embryonic stem cells with appropriate guidelines and federal and institutional oversight.

. . . [adult stem cell research] approaches should neither distract from nor preempt research for which the goal is to assess the use of pluripotent embryonic stem cells for the treatment of lung diseases. http://www.thoracic.org/statements/resources/research/stemcell.pdf

Amnesty International US 5 Penn Plaza New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-807-8400 http://www.amnestyusa.org Amnesty International defends access to abortion for women at risk In April 2007, Amnesty International changed its neutral stance on abortion to supporting access to abortion in cases of rape and incest, and when the life or the health of the mother might be threatened. Amnesty's official policy is that they "do not promote abortion as a universal right" but "support the decriminalisation of abortion". http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/POL30/012/2007/en/c917eede-d386-11dd-a329-2f46302a8cc6/pol300122007en.pdf

Amnesty International Continues Pushing Abortion Worldwide (2013) Amnesty International, a human rights organization that used to be abortion neutral, is now using the problem of maternal mortality to advocate for abortion. In a new report, ostensibly on medical care for maternal health, Amnesty calls on governments to repeal abortion laws and conscience protection for medical workers who may object. They also call for public health systems to train and equip health care providers to perform abortions.

Amnestys Maternal Health is a Human Right campaign focuses attention on four countries: Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Peru, and the United States. Amnesty argues that maternal mortality will decrease if it is treated as a human rights issue, if costs to health care are covered by governments, and if a right for women to control their reproductive and sex lives is established. http://www.lifenews.com/2012/08/09/amnesty-international-continues-pushing-abortion-worldwide/ http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/campaigns/demand-dignity/maternal-health-is-a-human-right

Amnesty International Launches New Campaign to Push Abortion Worldwide (2014) Amnesty International has been under fire for years for its pro-abortion positions and now the venerable human rights group is launching a new global effort to push abortion on a worldwide scale. The My Body My Rights campaign encourages young people around the world to know and demand their right to make decisions about their health, body, sexuality and reproduction without state control, fear, coercion or discrimination. It also seeks to remind world leaders of their obligations to take positive action, including through access to health services, the group says. http://www.lifenews.com/2014/03/10/amnesty-international-launches-new-campaign-to-push-abortion-worldwide/

"Amnesty International believes that everyone should be free to make decisions about if, when and with whom they have sex, whether or when they marry or have children and how to best protect themselves from sexual ill-health and HIV." http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/sexual-and-reproductive-rights-under-threat-worldwide-2014-03-06

Avon Foundation for Women 777 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 Phone: 866-505-2866 http://www.avonfoundation.org The Avon Foundation for Women is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 with the mission to promote or aid charitable, scientific, educational, and humanitarian activities, with a special emphasis on those activities that improve the lives of women and their families. In its work to realize those aspirations, the Foundations current mission focus is to lead efforts to eradicate breast cancer and end domestic and gender violence.

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade was established in 1992. Since then, more than $815 million has been raised for breast cancer awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to care, support services and scientific research. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer research centers to local, nonprofit breast health programs, creating a powerful international network of research, medical, social service, and community-based breast cancer organizations.

The Avon Foundation is one of many breast cancer research fundraising groups that has yet to acknowledge the link between abortion and breast cancer.

While the Avon Foundation does not direct grant funding to Planned Parenthood, the more detailed answer on its website seems to indicate that it mightif it received a grant request that met its criteria.

Q: Does the Avon Foundation for Women support Planned Parenthood?

Our records indicate that in the last five years the Avon Foundation has received only one Planned Parenthood affiliate grant application from among more than an estimated 3,000 grant applications received during that time period, and it was not among our funded applicants. Our grant programs are highly competitive and unfortunately we receive many more quality applicants than available funds can support. Our Safety Net Program, Avon Breast Health Outreach Program and eight Avon Breast Health Centers of Excellence provide more than $15 million annually to address the needs for education, screening and treatment programs for underserved and uninsured women. http://www.avonfoundation.org/press-room/avon-foundation-for-women-response-to-recent-inquiries-about-breast-cancer-funding-support.html

The Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program was launched in the U.S. in 2004 and global expansion began shortly thereafter, with programs now in Central and South America and Europe. The Speak Out mission focuses on raising funds and awareness for domestic violence awareness, education and prevention programs while developing new community outreach and support for victims, and there is a special focus on supporting programs that assist children affected by domestic violence. Already more than $38 million has been awarded to over 250 organizations in the U.S.

In 2008, Avon Products, Inc. and the Avon Foundation introduced the company's first-ever global fundraising product, the Women's Empowerment Bracelet, designed to save and improve women's lives worldwide. The bracelet was unveiled by Avon Foundation Honorary Chair Reese Witherspoon at the second annual Global Summit for a Better Tomorrow, presented by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in partnership with Avon, at the United Nations in celebration of International Women's Day. Since then an entire catalog of fundraising products has been created.

UNIFEM is the United Nations Development Fund for Women. Established in 1976, it is self-described as fostering womens empowerment and gender equality and helping to make the voices of women heard at the United Nations. Two international agreements form the framework for UNIFEMs mission and goals: The Beijing Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination for All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

In 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing Platform) expressly called upon governments to reexamine restrictive abortion laws that punish women. By linking womens health to abortion law reform, the Beijing Platform affirmed what [pro-abortion] advocates [believe] worldwide: removing legal barriers to abortion saves womens lives, promotes their health, and empowers women to make decisions crucial to their well-being.

The Beijing mandate also reflects a global trend toward abortion law liberalizationa trend that first gained momentum in the late 1960s and continues to this day. http://reproductiverights.org/sites/default/files/documents/pub_bp_abortionlaws10.pdf

CEDAW, created in 1979, is actually a global Equal Rights Amendment. CEDAW mandates gender re-education, access to abortion services, homosexual and lesbian rights, and the legalization of voluntary prostitution as a valid form of professional employment. http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2001/02/how-un-conventions-on-womens http://frcblog.com/2010/03/abortion-the-united-nations-and-cedaw/

See also http://www.all.org/newsroom_judieblog.php?id=2043.

Originally posted here:
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