Media release

11 March 2009

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Caritas condemns aid changes: kept in dark on detail

Caritas Australia wholeheartedly AFFIRMS the concerns expressed by the Australian Prime Minister today regarding the changes to the family planning guidelines of the Australian aid program.

Jack de Groot, CEO of Caritas Australia said, "as an agency of the Australian Catholic Bishop's Conference, our position on family planning is very clear: to promote the sanctity of life and uphold the dignity of every human person."

"We are gravely concerned about the implications of this policy for our ongoing work in aid and development around the world.

“The Government is yet to consult with us on this change.  We are unsure how it will affect our programs and the millions of people we work with around the developing world.

"Caritas' dedication to the improved health of women and children is centered in our fundamental belief that the family is at the heart of human development. 

“Caritas Australia also supports the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including the goals of reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. 

“A clear embodiment of this commitment is our Blueprint for a Better World exhibition, built around the MDGs and currently touring Australia in conjunction with AusAID. 

“In countries throughout the Pacific, Africa, Latin America and Asia, the Catholic Church is one of the largest service providers in maternal health and early childhood development.

“Training midwives in Bangladesh, supporting women and children with HIV in Cambodia, providing counselling, medical services and advocating for justice for victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, challenging stigma, raising awareness and treating STIs in Papua New Guinea, are but a few of our many programs that meet the needs and aspirations of women and children in desperate poverty.”

More information Tim O’Connor (02) 8306 3400 or 0417 284 831