Opposition to linking SRH with HIV/AIDS

Resistance to the linking of SRH and HIV has come primarily from religious and political individuals, groups and parties. Key barriers to greater integration between these two areas are the opposition of the Vatican to the use of condoms, and current United States policy on abstinence and abortion. These stances have a global impact, effecting opinions, policies and access to funding on an international and national level. One highly controversial example is the US Government's 'Mexico City Policy' (also known as the Global Gag Rule). Reintroduced in January 2001, the policy prevents any USAID money going to family planning agencies that provide or promote abortion. Marie Stopes International (MSI) reports that this has resulted in the loss of more than three million US dollars to MSI partners providing sexual and reproductive health and information services in Africa. For more information, see the Eldis/HRC key issues guide on Abstinence only versus broad based sexual health promotion: http://www.eldis.org/go/topics/resource -guides/hiv-and-aids/key-issues/abstinence