[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S9840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WORLD POPULATION AWARENESS WEEK

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, over the past years I have spoken often on 
the subject of population growth and the many problems it poses. Even 
in my own State of Vermont, one of the most rural states, it is 
impossible to escape the fact that human population can leave a heavy 
footprint.
  In the past 50 years the world's population has doubled in size. The 
implications of this exponential growth are impossible to fully grasp 
or predict. We do know however, that over 95 percent of new births are 
occurring in developing countries, many of which are unable to feed or 
care for their people today. From sub-Saharan Africa to much of Asia, 
hundreds of thousands of children are born each day without adequate 
food, medical care or shelter. In fact, of the 4.8 billion people 
living in developing countries, it is estimated that nearly 60 percent 
lack basic sanitation. Almost a third do not have access to clean 
water. A quarter do not have adequate housing, and a fifth, over 1 
billion people, have no access to modern health services.
  In addition, we have all seen the burden the Earth's swelling 
population places on the environment. The world's rapidly growing 
population has resulted in severe water shortages, shrinking forests, 
soil degradation, air and water pollution and the daily loss of animal 
and plant life.
  However, there has been progress. Because of the availability of 
education and modern contraceptives, the average number of births per 
woman has declined from 6 to 3. Due in large part to the work of 
organizations like the US Agency for International Development, the UN 
Population Fund, and the International Planned Parenthood Foundation, 
many women across the globe are receiving the help they need. These 
organizations provide essential advice, counseling and information in 
many countries where it otherwise would not exist. The reduction in 
family size that results has helped millions escape from poverty and, 
for many women, enhanced the prospects for education and a better life.
  Even with these steps forward, much more needs to be done. The 
world's population is many hundreds of millions higher than it was 
seven years ago, yet the developing countries are still receiving US 
family planning assistance at 1995 levels. The inextricable link 
between world population growth and poverty, political instability, and 
environmental degradation is widely known. Over 600,000 women die from 
pregnancy related causes. These programs are about modern 
contraceptives, about reproductive health, about saving women's lives. 
Not one dime of US Government funds can be used for abortions, yet the 
White House and some Members of Congress continue to object to many of 
these programs.
  For the United States to be a leader in support of international 
family planning it is vital for the American people to be aware of the 
problems posed by unchecked population growth. That is why I am pleased 
that Governor Howard Dean has proclaimed the week of October 20-26 as 
World Population Awareness Week in Vermont. I want to support the 
Governor in this effort, and I ask unanimous consent that his 
proclamation be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                 State of Vermont Executive Department

                             A Proclamation

     Whereas, more than one billion people--one sixth of the 
         world's population--are between the ages of 15 and 24, 
         the largest generation ever in this age bracket, and
     Whereas, nearly half the world's population, and 63 percent 
         in the least developed countries, is under age 25; and
     Whereas, 17 million young women between the ages of 15-19 
         give birth every year, including some 13 million who live 
         in less developed countries; and
     Whereas, early pregnancy and childbearing is associated with 
         serious health risks, as well as less education and lower 
         future income potential for young mothers; and
     Whereas, risks of dying from complications of pregnancy or 
         childbirth are 25 times higher for girls under 15, and 
         two times higher for women between 15-19; and
     Whereas, approximately half of the 5 million people infected 
         with HIV last year were young people aged 15-24; and
     Whereas, almost 12 million young people now live with HIV, 
         and about 6,000 more become infected every day; and
     Whereas, the choices young people make today regarding their 
         sexual and reproductive lives, including responsible male 
         behavior, will determine whether world population 
         stabilizes at 8 billion or less or 9 billion or more; and
     Now, therefore, I, Howard Dean, Governor of the State of 
         Vermont, do hereby proclaim October 20-26, 2002 as World 
         Population Awareness Week in Vermont.
           Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of 
     Vermont this 25 day of August, A.D. 2002.
                                                Howard Dean, M.D.,
     Governor.

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