The federal government is pledging up to $20 million to fund sexual health and abortion-related projects as part of an international campaign to fill a gap created by President Donald Trump's decision to ban U.S. funding for abortion-related projects.
The money will go to five organizations, including the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and be spent in the coming 12 months.
In a release, the government says the money will go towards contraceptives, family planning and comprehensive sexuality education, and access to post-abortion care.
International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said in a statement that all women have the right to choose whether and when they want to have children, and how many.
A major aid agency said it would welcome any financial help Canada can provide, but warned that if the country is really serious about helping poor women in the developing world, it must increase the overall amount it spends on international aid in the upcoming federal budget.
Lauren Ravon, Oxfam's Canadian director of policy and campaigns, says Canada's decision to take part in Thursday's pledging conference in Brussels _ known as ``She Decides'' _ is a welcome effort.