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Population Research Institute (organization)

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Population Research Institute
FounderPaul Marx
TypeThink tank
HeadquartersFront Royal, Virginia
President
Steven W. Mosher
Chair
John Delmare[1]
Revenue$1,462,224[1] (2018)
Expenses$1,405,812[1] (2018)
Websitepop.org

The Population Research Institute (PRI) is a Conservative 501(c)3 non-profit organization and advocacy group based in Front Royal, Virginia, US.[2][3][1] The organization opposes abortion. They believe that overpopulation is a myth, and oppose hormonal birth control in females[4] and vasectomies in males.[5]

Background

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The Population Research Institute was founded in 1989 by Paul Marx (1920–2010), a family sociologist, Catholic priest and Benedictine monk who had established the anti-abortion[6] group Human Life International as well. It became an independent institute in 1996.[7] The same year, the think tank got headed by Steven W. Mosher,[7][8] a social researcher and author who had witnessed forced abortions in China during the implementation of the one-child policy in 1980.[7]

Activities

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PRI opposes government attempts to control the population.[9] According to the Los Angeles Times, PRI's Mosher successfully helped lobby the administration of US president George W. Bush to withhold US$34 to $40 million per year for seven years from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the largest international donor to family planning programs.[10] The research institute opined that UNPFA was using American money to fund Chinese compulsory sterilization and abortions, a claim denied by the population fund, noting that it does not work in areas where the one-child policy in still in force.[6] Mosher also advocated against the Chinese two-child policy, claiming that it was "being pushed to the masses through the Communist Party mechanism".[11]

Fundraising

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PRI obtains the vast majority of its funding from charitable contributions, gifts, and grants, with a total revenue of 1.46 million dollars in financial year 2018. Of this, 75.6% was spent on program expenses, 4.9% on administration, and 19.3% on fundraising.[1]

The institute has received funding from The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc., claimed to be in support of conferences on human rights in China.[12]

Criticism

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The think tank has been criticized for being a right-wing propaganda organization and not being neutral in its reporting.[13] PRI's stance on overpopulation and the arguments for "Overpopulation is a Myth" have been described as deceptive.[14][15]

Charity Navigator classifies charities with respect to "Accountability & Transparency" and "Financial Performance". In 2020 it awarded two out of four stars to PRI for "Accountability & Transparency", and one for "Financial", which combined for an overall score of 70.46, rated as two stars.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Rating for Population Research Institute (based on 2018 financial year, the latest available at publication date)". Charity Navigator. 1 February 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  2. ^ Poseley, Quinn (7 May 2024). "Misinformation Watch: Is the World Overpopulated?". AllSides.
  3. ^ Scigliano, Monica (11 January 2022). "From pulpit to politics: the Catholic Church's influence on reproductive rights". Population Matters.
  4. ^ "Physician's Group Warns of Serious Health Risks Associated with Hormonal Contraception, Calls for Stricter Labeling". PRI. 2020-08-18. Retrieved 2020-11-23.
  5. ^ "Long-Term Complications of Male Vasectomies". PRI. 2001-07-01. Retrieved 2020-11-23.
  6. ^ a b Crossette, Barbara (2002-04-07). "U.N. Agency On Population Blames U.S. For Cutbacks". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-03-22.
  7. ^ a b c Frawley Desmond, Joan (January 20, 2012). "Steve Mosher: A Vision of 'Hell' Brought Him to the Church". National Catholic Register.
  8. ^ SourceWatch: Population Research Institute. (July 4, 2010). Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  9. ^ Stanway, David (March 12, 2019). "China lawmakers urge freeing up family planning as birth rates plunge". Reuters. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  10. ^ Weiss, Kenneth R. (July 22, 2012). "Fertility rates fall, but global population explosion goes on". Los Angeles Times.
  11. ^ Maizura Ismail (September 5, 2018). "Baby-making in the name of the nation". The ASEAN Post. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  12. ^ "Population Research Institute". MediaTransparency. Archived from the original on March 10, 2007. For years 1999-2002.
  13. ^ "Population Research Institute - Bias and Credibility". Media Bias/Fact Check. 2024-08-17. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
  14. ^ "IAP Statement on Population and Consumption". InterAcademy Panel: The Global Network of Science Academies (IAP). 14 June 2012. Archived from the original on 21 August 2013.
  15. ^ Bongaarts, John; Sinding, Steven W. (March 2009). "A Response to Critics of Family Planning Programs". International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 35 (1).
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