January 23, 2009

President Obama is already taking steps to ensure a just and healthy life for women and girls. Within just three days of the inauguration, the Obama Administration has made clear that achieving national security requires equal attention to human security. Three early actions signal that sexual and reproductive rights and health are fundamental to human security in the new Administration:

President Obama signed an executive order rescinding the Global Gag Rule, which limited foreign non-governmental organizations' ability to provide the comprehensive reproductive health care women need, including contraception and safe abortion counseling and services.

 President Obama signaled his intent to rejoin the global community by endorsing the work of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paved the way for new U.S. leadership on HIV/AIDS by asking for the resignation of global HIV/AIDS coordinator, Mark Dybul.

Please take a moment to thank President Obama and his administration for these early steps by sending him an email. Use this text as is, or write your own and send it to comments@whitehouse.gov

Dear President Obama,

I applaud the actions you and your Administration have taken this week to ensure the health and rights of women and girls worldwide. By rescinding the global gag rule, creating an opportunity for new leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and moving toward support of United Nations Population Fund you have taken the first steps down a long road of reshaping U.S. policy to better meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls around the world.

These issues are important to me because ___________________________________. I hope you will continue to empower women and girls to enjoy just and healthy lives.

Sincerely,

NAME

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