The Evolution of US International Population Policy, 1965-92: A Chronological Account

Abstract

This account concisely captures the evolutionary role of US international population policy and assistance since 1965 when it was first recognized that world population growth rates needed to be urgently addressed. The significance of understanding how US executive policy had evolved is in the nature of the times; William Clinton and Albert Gore are expected to translate their commitment to population and environment programs into effective policy. Recognition is given to the forward thinking members of Congress who gave early impetus to family (FP) programs; population policy leaders such as Margaret Sanger and William H. Draper Jr; and organizations such as the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations and the Planned Parenthood Federation. Documentation for this review was based on quoted statements of Presidents Secretaries of State USAID administrators and other American officials. A chronological account of major statements and developments is provided for the years between mid-1965 and 1992. The first notation was in the State of the Union address by President Johnson who made a commitment to seek new ways to use American know-how to deal with the population explosion and growing scarcity of resources. The AID policy directive was to entertain requests for aid from governments with an emphasis on voluntarism and informed consent in the support of FP programs. In general one could say that American policy has been supportive of efforts in developing countries to reduce the rates of population growth notwithstanding the Reagan and Bush administrations. Over this period $4 billion has been directed to international population assistance. USAID is the largest single donor to population and FP programs; contributions have been roughly 33% of total assistance from bilateral multilateral and private sources. The US has also played an important leadership role in advancing an understanding of the need for and benefits of FP programs for individuals and nations. Prospects are good that the new administration will support FP difficulties will be encountered in translating the concepts into budgetary allocations because there are other priorities shortages of funds and some Congressional opposition.