World Leaders' Correspondence

The Mexico City Policy was a United States policy requiring all non-governmental organizations that receive U.S. federal funding to refrain from performing or promoting abortion-related services overseas.

This policy was first implemented by President Reagan in 1984 at a United Nations population conference in Mexico City. It has been rescinded and re-implemented several times over the past few decades, and is currently not in effect.

On February 2, 2009, Supreme Master Ching Hai wrote to President Obama, strongly urging him to re-instate the Mexico City Policy to preserve the lives of unborn babies overseas. Following are Master’s letter and President Obama’s response.

Dear President Barack Obama:

Your Excellency, first of all, I congratulate you for representing the great hope of so many Americans in becoming the nation’s 44th President. You are truly an inspiration for not only your country but also the world’s citizens. Wishing you all health, vitality and wisdom in fulfilling your extraordinary role.

I would also like to send my deep thanks for Your Excellency's policies to save lives, such as your order to close Guantanamo Bay prison, your intent to withdraw troops from Iraq and for seeking a worldwide ban on space weapons. I wholeheartedly laud the noble priorities that you have established so quickly upon becoming the nation’s leader. Another area of protecting life that I hope you will safeguard is that of the unborn.

It is in this light, Mr. President, that I respectfully call upon your compassion and strongly urge you to re-consider your reversal of the Mexico City Policy, and to extend your lives-saving priorities to include those yet to be born who cannot speak for themselves. You have mentioned that you are willing to “find areas of common ground to best meet the needs of women and families.” I pray you do so in a way that will ensure the safety of these newly forming human beings, and assist in furthering a respect and guardianship for all life. It’s also constitutional to protect all lives.

May your historical leadership of the most influential nation in the world be long remembered as courageous, heroic and compassionate.

Though my words may be insignificant in the political arena, please consider your significant status in our world’s history and in the Kingdom of the all merciful God, and take action accordingly.

Respectfully yours,

Supreme Master Ching Hai

Dear friend:

Thank you for taking the time to share your views on abortion. This is a heart-wrenching issue, and I appreciate your input and thoughts.

I am committed to making my Administration the most open and transparent in history, and part of delivering on that promise is hearing from people like you. I take seriously your opinions and respect your point of view of this issue. Please know that your concerns will be on my mind in the days ahead.

Thank you again for writing. I encourage you to visit WhiteHouse.gov to learn more about my Administration or to contact me in the future.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

President, United States of America