§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to bring forward policies to support the Secretary of State for International Development's contention that the Catholic church is playing a "deeply obstructive role" in the development of women's reproductive health, as reported in the Guardian of 30 June. [HL3656]
§ Baroness AmosWe recognise the contribution of the Catholic Church to development. However, we do not agree with its position concerning reproductive health and contraception.
104WAThe Government's policies to promote reproductive health in developing countries focus on ensuring that all women and men are able to exercise their right to good quality reproductive health services, including the widest possible range of safe, effective and affordable contraceptives and barrier methods to prevent sexual infection. DFID also works with developing countries to make abortion safer, where legal.