Family Planning Facilitation and Abortion Funding Restriction Act of 1997
Latest action (13 Feb 1997): On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 194 (Roll no. 23).
What this bill does
H.R. 581 would amend an existing appropriations law (Public Law 104-208) governing U.S. foreign population planning and family planning assistance. It would move up, from July 1, 1997, to March 1, 1997, the date the President could release these funds, and would give the President discretion to release funds in amounts deemed most conducive to the program, rather than capping monthly disbursements at 8 percent of the total. The bill also adds new restrictions requiring foreign private, nongovernmental, or multilateral organizations to certify they will not perform abortions (except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest) and will not violate or attempt to change foreign abortion laws, as conditions of receiving U.S. population assistance funds, including funds passed through subcontractors or subgrantees.
The bill primarily affects foreign organizations that receive U.S. population planning assistance, as well as executive branch officials who administer and disburse these funds. It reflects a policy debate over U.S. funding restrictions tied to abortion-related activities abroad.
The House passed H.R. 581 on February 13, 1997, by a vote of 231–194. According to the Congressional Research Service, the bill was never taken up or passed by the Senate, and it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Family Planning Facilitation and Abortion Funding Restriction Act of 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 to authorize the President to make certain population planning assistance to developing countries available on March 1, 1997 (currently, July 1, 1997). Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds for population activities to any private, nongovernmental, or multilateral organization until it certifies that it does not now and will not during the period for which funds are made available: (1) directly or through a subcontractor or subgrantee perform abortions in any foreign country, except if the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of forcible rape or incest; or (2) violate the laws of a foreign country with respect to the circumstances under which abortion is permitted, regulated, or prohibited, or engage in lobbying activities in an effort to alter its laws with respect to abortion (except lobbying in opposition to coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization).
Timeline
13 Feb 1997
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 194 (Roll no. 23).
Common questions
- What does H.R. 581 do?
- H.R. 581 would amend an existing appropriations law (Public Law 104-208) governing U.S. foreign population planning and family planning assistance. It would move up, from July 1, 1997, to March 1, 1997, the date the President could release these funds, and would give the President discretion to release funds in amounts deemed most conducive to the program, rather than capping monthly disbursements at 8 percent of the total. The bill also adds new restrictions requiring foreign private, nongovernmental, or multilateral organizations to certify they will not perform abortions (except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest) and will not violate or attempt to change foreign abortion laws, as conditions of receiving U.S. population assistance funds, including funds passed through subcontractors or subgrantees. The bill primarily affects foreign organizations that receive U.S. population planning assistance, as well as executive branch officials who administer and disburse these funds. It reflects a policy debate over U.S. funding restrictions tied to abortion-related activities abroad. The House passed H.R. 581 on February 13, 1997, by a vote of 231–194. According to the Congressional Research Service, the bill was never taken up or passed by the Senate, and it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 581 become law?
- Not yet. As of 13 Feb 1997, H.R. 581 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 581?
- H.R. 581 was sponsored by Rep. Christopher “Chris” Smith [R-NJ4] (Republican-NJ), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 581?
- On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 194 (Roll no. 23). (13 Feb 1997).
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