International Conference on Population and Development

HC Deb 15 September 2003 vol 410 cc556-7W

Mrs Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development whether the Government intends to reaffirm its commitment to the International Conference on Population and Development's Programme of Action. [128388]

Hilary Benn

The Government remains firmly committed to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD)'s Programme of Action, including the target of achieving access to reproductive health for all by 2015. Reproductive Health continues to be a priority for DFID. We are convinced that reproductive health and rights are vital to making progress to attaining the Millennium Development Goals to combat HIV/AIDS and reduce maternal and child mortality. We also consider it a basic right of women and men to exercise informed and responsible choice in matters relating to their sexual and reproductive health.

The Government will continue to work with the international community to ensure that reproductive health receives the priority it demands. We plan to produce a public policy statement on reproductive health before the end of the year.