Lobby group calls for less investment into African countries that legalise abortion

UNITED STATES - A small pro-life lobby group in the United States (US) says it wants a new administration to pull back on funding and investments made into countries that have legalised abortion. 

Reproductive rights are listed as one of the key issues under consideration by potential voters, as the superpower edges closer to its presidential elections.

While some South Africans believe this is solely an American issue, author and journalist Pontsho Pelane – who focuses on reproductive rights - says ignoring both the US elections and its approach to the topic would be dangerous.

Pilane says withholding investments is one way of influencing how African countries address issues relating to comprehensive sexuality education.

For the executive director of Ohio’s Right To Life, Peter Range, the idea of America investing in countries like South Africa that uphold certain values, including the right to a legal abortion, is unacceptable.

"We want to value every single human life. It's very sad to me to think our money, my American taxpayer dollars would go to pay for abortions across this world. I think it’s a travesty and I think it should end."

Range’s views are not unique as several sectors of America deliberate over this and many other issues ahead of its elections in November.

But back home, Pelane says it's important to watch how the US deals with this matter as well as who it votes into office.

She says religion and politics continue to play a major role in shaping the approach to reproductive health on the continent.

"We will bear the brunt of this as we see these ties are not only financial, but they are ideological. They are strong ties and through the years, they have been getting stronger."

Some experts have also raised concern over a supposed rise in conservative resistance against countries seeking to legalise abortion in Africa.