Media Outlets Continue Coverage Of U.S. Government’s Implementation Plan For Expanded Mexico City Policy
Forbes: Trump Expands Abortion ‘Gag Rule,’ Threatening A Record $8.8 Billion In Global Aid
“…Back in January, immediately following his inauguration (and the global Women’s March), President Donald Trump signed an executive order reviving the so-called Mexico City policy, versions of which Republican presidents have used since 1984 to block U.S. support for aid groups that offer abortion counseling or services abroad. [Monday,] the Office of the [U.S. State Department’s] Spokesperson announced the launch of a new plan, known as ‘Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance,’ which would extend the Mexico City policy or ‘gag rule’ to apply to a range of other crucial health services with U.S. support, including programs to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and malaria…” (Burns, 5/16).
Foreign Policy: To ‘Protect Life,’ State Department Rolls Out Women’s Health Policy Critics Call a ‘Death Warrant’
“…The controversial ban won praise from pro-life groups who say it aligns U.S. foreign aid funding with conservative policies, but drew condemnation from many in the NGO community, who called it a ‘death warrant’ for some women in developing countries…” (Mellen/Gramer, 5/16).
The Guardian: Trump expands policy that bans U.S. aid for overseas abortion providers
“…The new terms of the ban will apply to $8.8bn in existing foreign aid provided by the State Department, USAID, and the Department of Defense — dwarfing the $600m in programming that fell under the ban during previous administrations…” (Redden, 5/15).
Slate: Donald Trump Holds $8.8 Billion In Global Health Aid Hostage, Calls It ‘Protecting Life’
“…Now, all overseas nonprofits must accept as a condition of any U.S. assistance that they cannot so much as tell a woman that abortion is a legal option. According to the State Department, the expanded gag rule will apply to funds earmarked for HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria treatment, maternal health programs, Zika response, and child health programs in addition to funds for reproductive health and family planning programs…” (Cauterucci, 5/15).
The KFF Daily Global Health Policy Report summarized news and information on global health policy from hundreds of sources, from May 2009 through December 2020. All summaries are archived and available via search.