As the US election campaign enters its final phase, little attention has been given to George Bush's war on women. Fought under the banner of the religious Right, his insidious attacks aim to severely restrict women's reproductive freedom.

‘We are extremely concerned that, should he be re-elected, George Bush will be free to pursue his anti-choice crusade, further endangering women's lives. In the last four years the United States have witnessed an unprecedented backlash in terms of women's rights, with repercussions way beyond the country's boarders. A second term in the White House would enable Bush to nominate at least two new Supreme Court Judges who will undoubtedly push forward his anti-abortion agenda' warns Anne Quesney, Director of Abortion Rights.

Bush is responsible for a string of policies, which are having a devastating impact on women's reproductive health and access to safe abortion worldwide. As the champion of fetal rights and sexual abstinence, his number one priority was to reinstate the Global Gag Rule (GGR). He did so on his second day in office. The GGR denies U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds to overseas non-governmental organisations that provide legal abortion services, lobby their own governments for abortion law reform, or even provide accurate medical counselling or referrals regarding abortion. Refusal to comply has forced many family planning clinics, in the world's poorest countries, to close down.

Last year, Abortion Rights launched a petition raising awareness about the dangers of the GGR and calling for its immediate removal. We have collected several thousand signatures, which have been submitted to the US Embassy in London.

The time has come for a more positive attitude towards sexual health, which empowers women, not for a return to back-streets and coat hangers. A woman's right to choose is not up for negotiation.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Anne Quesney, Director of Abortion Rights on 020 7278 5539