News In Brief

US snubs plan to deny aid to lands backing abortion

In the face of a strong outcry by the diplomatic and scientific community, the White House is backing away from its proposal that the US cut off all family planning aid to governments or organizations that advocate abortion.

''We would not adopt a position to cut off all (family planning) aid to a country unless it prohibits abortion,'' a high administration official said, ''but will continue the policy of past years.''

Present policy prohibits the use of US aid by foreign governments for abortion services. But the concern is that the availability of US assistance for family planning makes it possible for such governments and organizations to use other funds for abortion services.