Australia has declined to stump up as the hat was passed around at an international conference to make up for a funding shortfall after US President Donald Trump pulled money from aid groups providing safe abortions.
Shortly after taking office, Mr Trump reinstated the "global gag rule" requiring foreign organisations receiving US funds to certify that they don't perform abortions or provide abortion advice as a method of family planning.
The ban will cause an estimated $US600 million ($A794 million) global shortfall.
About 50 countries, organisations and foundations, spearheaded by the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden, participated in Thursday's conference in Brussels entitled "She Decides" to fund impacted groups.
The conference generated close to $US200 million.
Campaigners from developing countries told the gathering of girls forced to have children in their early teens as a result of sexual abuse, forced marriages or a lack of access to sex education and contraception.
Ambassador for Woman and Girls Sharman Stone said Australia has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and delivery of sexual and reproductive health services in its foreign policy and aid programs.
"These services help women and girls to stay healthy, complete their education and participate equally in society and the economy," she said.
Last month, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced an extra $9.5 million for sexual and reproductive health services in the Asia-Pacific region.
CARE Australia chief executive Sally Moyle said there was a strong link between gender equality, prosperity and peace.
"We can't let this legacy be eroded amid a global push towards populist, insular politics," she told AAP.
with Reuters
Share
