News Deeply: Contraception in the Crosshairs: The Real Impact of the Global Gag Rule
Ulla Müller, president and chief executive officer of EngenderHealth

“…The gendered nature of [the Mexico City policy, or global gag rule’s] assault on global health cannot be glossed over: This is an attack on women. … That’s not an upbeat message for International Women’s Day, but it’s the truth. Traditionally, this is an occasion to take stock of women’s status around the world and celebrate the progress that has been made on the long, slow journey to gender equality. This year, with the new gag rule poised to wreak global havoc, I think we must acknowledge that women are facing the biggest threat to their health and rights in decades. … [F]amily planning is more than just a health intervention. It’s a societal intervention. Family planning unlocks women’s potential as economic actors, as agents of change, and as custodians of culture. It enables parents to provide better opportunities for their children. It leads to an educated and productive citizenry that can support a vibrant economy and cope with the challenges of the modern world. A society where women are empowered is stronger, more stable, and more prosperous for all. To know all of this, and then to think of what is happening with the global gag rule, is heartbreaking. It’s even more heartbreaking to think of the women — the rocks of endurance — to whom we’ve promised so much and delivered so little” (3/8).