Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Overseas Aid

12 July 2023 · 2 other contributors · 4,251 words

Opened by Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham

Responding minister: Andrew Mitchell

Foreign AffairsBenefits & WelfareWomen & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sarah Champion raised concerns about sexual and reproductive health and rights: overseas aid in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • UK's cuts to overseas aid have significantly impacted sexual and reproductive health and rights services globally.
  • Reduction in funding has led to a decrease in access to contraception and an increase in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths.
  • The UK aid to UNFPA's supplies partnership was cut by 85% in 2021, leading to immediate cuts in commodities provided.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks the Minister to commit to restoring support for the UNFPA's core operating fund alongside existing commitments to their supplies partnership and to spend £500 million annually on SRHR programming and supplies for the next three years. She also requests a commitment from the UK Government to invest in the Family Planning 2030 initiative.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham

The UK's cuts to overseas aid have significantly impacted sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services globally. The reduction in funding has led to a decrease in access to contraception, an increase in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths. Marginalised groups face additional barriers in accessing SRHR services due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of infrastructure. In 2021, UK aid to UNFPA's supplies partnership was cut by 85%, leading to immediate cuts in commodities provided, such as contraception. The most marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by these funding reductions.

Other contributors (2)
  • Daniel Poulter Con Stourbridge

    Thanked the hon. Member for securing the debate and raised concerns about high maternal and newborn mortality rates in low and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, urging suggestions on how Britain can better support this agenda through its aid strategy.

  • Theo Clarke Con Lincoln

    Thanked the hon. Lady for securing the debate and agreed that the Government are right to commit spending on women and girls, especially maternal mental health. Called for a UK voluntary national review on sustainable development goals.

Government Response

Andrew Mitchell

It is a tremendous pleasure to serve under the chairmanship and respond to the debate on sexual and reproductive health and rights overseas aid. The minister acknowledged the work of the hon. Member for Rotherham in securing the debate and highlighted the importance of the International Development Committee's role. He addressed the challenges faced by women and girls globally, emphasizing Britain's commitment to promoting and protecting their rights through diplomatic efforts with allies and multilateral partners. The minister discussed the impact of reduced overseas development assistance (ODA) budgets due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, noting that while the budget has been cut from 0.7% to 0.5%, efforts are being made to enhance and augment taxpayers' money through multipliers. The UK continues to support sexual and reproductive health rights with a significant portfolio of programmes and policies, including FP2030, the Global Financing Facility, the Women's Integrated Sexual Health Programme, and initiatives to end the AIDS epidemic. He mentioned that the UNFPA supplies partnership has received more than £200 million from the UK since 2019 for life-saving reproductive health products. The minister also highlighted the need for sustainable financing through domestic investment commitments by recipient countries, emphasizing the importance of integrating sexual and reproductive health into broader health systems strengthening work. The final part of the response reiterated the Government's focus on reducing maternal mortality, addressing roll-backs in SRHR and women's rights, securing sustainable financing, and advocating for marginalized populations. The minister concluded by stressing that Britain's aims in international development are driven by a commitment to girls and women's empowerment, particularly through education, family planning, and combating sexual violence.

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