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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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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