UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, regrets the decision by the United States to deny any future funding for its life-saving work the world over.

This decision is based on the “erroneous” claim that UNFPA “supports, or participates in the management of, a programme of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization” in China.

UNFPA, in a statement, refutes this claim, as all of its work promotes the human rights of individuals and couples to make their own decisions, free of coercion or discrimination.

“Indeed, United Nations Member States have long described UNFPA’s work in China as a force for good”.

The United States, one of its founding members, has long partnered with UNFPA to protect and promote the reproductive health and rights of women and girls.

“We have always valued the United States as a trusted partner and leader in helping to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled,” read a statement.

“We, therefore, look forward to continuing our work with the United States to address these global concerns and to restore our strong partnership to save the lives of women and girls globally, within the framework of the global development goals, thereby leaving no one behind”.