DWN - Trump Reinstates Mexico City Policy Affecting Global Health Funding

Trump Reinstates Mexico City Policy Affecting Global Health Funding

President Trump reinstates the Mexico City Policy, halting U.S. aid to foreign groups that provide or discuss abortion services, impacting global health funding and reproductive rights.

Digital Worldwide News

January 25, 2024

On January 24, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating the Mexico City Policy. This policy stops U.S. aid to foreign groups that provide or discuss abortion services. It was first introduced by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. The policy is often reversed by Democratic presidents and reinstated by Republican presidents. This back-and-forth change affects global health programs.

The Mexico City Policy, also called the "global gag rule," has significant effects. It can cut off access to contraception and lead to unsafe abortions. It also causes problems for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that rely on U.S. aid. These NGOs provide important health services around the world.

During his first term, President Trump expanded the policy's scope. It went beyond family planning assistance to include all health services. This expansion affected billions of dollars in aid. The Guttmacher Institute warns that reinstating the policy will have deadly consequences. It could lead to more pregnancy complications and deaths.

In addition to reinstating the Mexico City Policy, President Trump signed another order. This order enforces the Hyde Amendment. The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions in the U.S. These actions reverse measures taken by the previous administration to increase abortion access.

Here's how leading news outlets are reporting on this story.

The Guardian: Trump signs order to reinstate 'global gag rule' on abortion aid

According to The Guardian, President Trump's executive order reinstates the Mexico City Policy. This policy stops U.S. aid to groups that provide abortion services or counseling overseas. The policy was first established in 1984 and has been reversed and reinstated by different administrations.

The Guardian highlights the policy's impact on global reproductive health. It notes that during Trump's first term, the policy expanded to affect all health service organizations, impacting billions of dollars in aid. The Guttmacher Institute warns that this could reduce access to contraception and increase unsafe abortions.

Politico: Trump issues executive orders reviving anti-abortion policies

According to Politico, President Trump signed executive orders reinstating several anti-abortion policies from his previous administration. These measures include restrictions on federal funding for international family planning and health programs that discuss or refer abortions. The orders aim to reassure anti-abortion supporters and establish the U.S. stance against funding abortions abroad.

Politico reports mixed reactions to these policies. Some argue that they disrupt global health efforts by limiting access to contraception and reproductive healthcare. However, anti-abortion advocates celebrate these policies as significant victories. The orders also direct the U.S. to rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration, reinforcing the administration’s anti-abortion stance.

New York Post: Trump reinstates Mexico City Policy and enforces Hyde Amendment in pair of executive actions on abortion

According to the New York Post, President Trump issued two executive orders to prevent the use of taxpayer money for abortions. One reinstates the Mexico City Policy, which bars federal funding for organizations supporting or performing abortions abroad. The second order enforces the Hyde Amendment, prohibiting federal funds for elective abortions domestically. These moves reverse measures taken by the previous administration to increase abortion access.

The New York Post emphasizes that these actions are in line with the long-standing consensus that taxpayers should not fund abortions. On the same day, the Justice Department, under Trump's directive, announced it would limit the enforcement of the FACE Act, arguing it targets conservatives unfairly.

NPR: Trump re-enacts policy banning aid to groups abroad that discuss or provide abortions

According to NPR, the Mexico City Policy cuts off U.S. aid to health groups in other countries that offer abortion services or counseling. President Trump has reinstated this policy, which was deactivated by the previous administration. The policy has significant consequences for reproductive rights in other countries.

NPR highlights the impact on organizations like MSI Reproductive Services, a nonprofit group that lost U.S. funds during the first Trump administration because they would not abide by the Mexico City Policy. The reinstatement of the policy could lead to reduced access to reproductive health services and increased unsafe abortions.

President Trump's reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy has significant implications for global health funding and reproductive rights. The policy's expansion during his first term affected billions of dollars in aid, leading to concerns about reduced access to contraception and increased unsafe abortions. The recent executive orders also reinforce domestic anti-abortion policies, reversing measures taken by the previous administration to increase abortion access.