Religious conservatives: 34; Women's reproductive freedom: 1.

Still, it makes you more hopeful....

UNITED NATIONS - Two American women angered by the U.S. decision to stop funding the U.N. population agency said Thursday their grassroots campaign has so far raised $1 million for the agency, money that will go to helping women in poor nations.

More than 100,000 people - the vast majority Americans - have contributed to their campaign, which began in October, after President Bush blocked $34 million for the U.N. Population Fund last year, accusing the agency of tolerating abortions and forced sterilizations in China.[Emphasis mine.]

Jane Roberts, a retired teacher from California, and Lois Abraham, a lawyer from New Mexico, are still a long way from their stated goal of raising the entire $34 million that has been withheld. But media mogul Ted Turner's United Nations Foundation, created to manage his $1 billion gift to the U.N., announced it would match the campaign's donations with 25 cents to the dollar, up to a total of $250,000. Moreover, 200 letters with contributions arrive every day.

The women plan to take the campaign worldwide, starting in Europe on May 7.

Complete story here via Common Dreams.