WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "Parents believe their children are doing something noble when they forego their Halloween candy and collect money for UNICEF," said American Life League President Judie Brown, "but they probably have no idea where the money goes. Few parents suspect that UNICEF supports abortion."

Mrs. Brown said UNICEF has strayed from its original mandate to feed and clothe hungry children around the world. "The evidence of involvement in anti-life efforts is so indisputable that several years ago, the Vatican announced it would no longer support UNICEF," she said. "That's a very clear message."

In recent years, UNICEF has collaborated with other agencies in programs promoting abortion, contraception, sterilization and population control. These programs involved organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund and the International Planned Parenthood Federation.  UNICEF also honored billionaire Ted Turner for his financial support of population control efforts.

"There are a number of good ways to minister to the poor," said Mrs. Brown, "but obviously, funding UNICEF is not among them. We advise all parents to take this information to their children's teachers, and put an end to trick-or-treating for an anti-family, anti-church, anti-life organization."

Additional information is available at www.all.org/activism/unicef.htm.