Project Syndicate: Donald Trump’s Little Women
Françoise Girard, president of the International Women’s Health Coalition

“…[The] latest manifestation of the [Mexico City policy] goes further than its predecessors. Whereas previous versions affected U.S. family planning funding, [President] Trump’s rule affects all U.S. health aid, including for HIV, malaria, maternal and child health, tuberculosis, and nutrition programs — up to $9 billion per year. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief comprises the largest portion of U.S. global health spending, currently $6.8 billion per year. Organizations that have long combined PEPFAR aid with other funds to provide comprehensive reproductive health care to women living with HIV, and to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, will now be placed in an untenable position. … With the reinstatement of the global gag rule, hard-won progress in women’s health could be stunted, or even reversed, all while violating women’s legal and human rights. … To prohibit funding to organizations committed to providing quality health care and information to these women and girls is punitive, and a violation of their human rights. To impose the gag rule despite clear evidence of the harm it causes is a transparent attempt to control women’s bodies and health…” (3/8).