The world’s largest database for reproductive health, which is funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), last week made it impossible to search its contents for the word “abortion.” But the volume of complaints when it came to light forced it to reverse the decision.

The explanation given for the ban by the administrator of the website, which is called Popline (population information online) was that because the project was funded by federal money it was thought “best for now.”

Under the US president, George Bush, USAID has been banned from giving funds to any foreign organisation that performs, refers, or counsels on abortion, regardless of whether abortion is legal …