US abortion stand booed at UN meet

But US delegate Ellen Sauerbrey drew boos from the audience, including some 6,000 activists, when she commented on Washington’s interpretation of the document. ‘‘We have stated clearly and on many occasions… that we do not recognise abortion as a method of family planning, nor do we support abortion in our reproductive health assistance,’’ she said.

The loudest catcalls came when she said, ‘‘We emphasise the value of the ABC — abstinence, be faithful, and correct and consistent condom use where appropriate — approach in comprehensive strategies to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and the promotion of abstinence as the healthiest and most responsible choice for adolescents.’’

Earlier on Friday, Sauerbrey said the US was dropping its demand that the document be amended to say that abortion is a matter of national sovereignty and not a human right delineated by the 1995 conference in Beijing. She said the US point had been made and the amendment was no longer needed. —Reuters