Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what proportion of UK Official Development Assistance to contraceptive and family planning services reaches clients free of charge at the point of delivery (1) bilaterally, (2) multilaterally through UN bodies, (3) through non-governmental organisations, and (4) in total.

Our family planning programmes are delivered in accordance with local government policies, and the financial model varies considerably from context to context. We do not currently collect the information requested as it would be difficult to do this comprehensively and reliably. The UK is working with others to encourage governments to adopt ambitious investment goals for Universal Health Coverage, including sexual reproductive health and rights. Through our work with partner countries, we promote financial protection and reductions in out of pocket health expenditure, to reduce the burden on poor people and families.

Our new regional WISH programme with the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is focused on reaching the very poor and reducing costs. Although some country programmes do charge for clients who can afford to pay, they employ a no-refusal policy to allow clients that are poor. Proceeds from these services are used to further access for the poorest and most marginalised.