Women have lost a powerful champion

WHILE many people will remember the role of Benazir Bhutto as a champion in the struggle for democracy in Pakistan, she should also be remembered as an international advocate for women and children, born or unborn.

As a pro-life feminist, Ms Bhutto constantly urged world leaders to address urgent health issues including increased nutrition and immunisations. She also argued for the protection of women from domestic violence and war.

While many developed countries seek to promote abortion as a means of population control in the developing world (and often seek to link abortion to foreign aid), Bhutto’s focus was on women-centred solutions and she was opposed to the promotion of abortion in developing countries.