91998E0475

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0475/98 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (27 February 1998)

Subject: Reproductive health

When is the work currently being conducted by DGIB with a view to the drawing up of a policy on reproductive health, including combating HIV, likely to be completed and published? Is the Commission committed to ensuring there is a single Commission-wide policy ensuring that reproductive health is made a priority in all development programmes supported by DG I, DG IA, DGIB, DGVIII and ECHO? Will the European Parliament be consulted about this?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (23 March 1998)

A new Commission communication is planned for 1998 that will outline the Commission's policies and strategies for development cooperation relating to support for population and reproductive health activities, in view of next year's fifth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations International conference on population development (ICPD) programme of action. The communication will draw upon existing policies and programmes in health, population, family planning, maternal health, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), gender integration and sexual exploitation. The Commission intends to consult fully with the Parliament and Member States on the content of this communication.