Clinton spreads pro-choice message in Catholic Philippines

November 12, 2009

Denying that the US government hopes to change the Philippines’ largely Catholic ethos, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton nonetheless touted a pro-choice vision of development while visiting the nation.

“We certainly do not have any intention or plan to preempt or otherwise go beyond or around what the attitudes of society are,” she told reporters. Nonetheless, Clinton also said, “I think empowering women to be able to make choices that are in the best interest of the children they already have, and the family size that they desire-- it increases education outcome, it increases income generation, it provides a much stronger basis for human development.”

“Trying to empower and educate women so that they are able to make these decisions and they have access to family planning is not only positive to the woman and her family but for the larger society,” Clinton added.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Clinton: Family planning a 'positive' choice for society (GMANews.tv)