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Biden’s memorandum reversed the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy, more colloquially referred to as the Mexico City Policy or the “global gag rule.” The policy was first created by the Regan administration in 1984 and has been reenacted by Republicans, like Trump, and repealed by Democrats, like President Biden, since.
The Mexico City Policy banned the use of US government funds for nonprofits that “perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning.” A report from the US Government Accountability Office stated that in 2017 alone, various NGOs lost out on around $150m due to this policy. Non-profits from around the world found the impact of the Mexico City policy devastating as it often also impacted efforts to treat tuberculosis as well as HIV and AIDs. It also meant the more individuals had to get illegal, unsafe abortions that threatened their lives and their health.
Posts tagged ‘Secretary of State Antony Blinken’
State Dept. disbands Trump-era commission that heightened importance of religious freedom
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the Biden administration’s priorities for U.S. foreign policy on Capitol Hill on March 10, 2021, in Washington, D.C. | Ken Cedeno-Pool/Getty Images
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has formally dismissed the controversial Trump-era Commission on Unalienable Rights, which sought to elevate the promotion of religious freedom worldwide. Blinken, who vowed to promote LGBT rights worldwide during his confirmation hearings, only briefly alluded to religious persecution in a press conference unveiling the 45th State Department country reports on human rights practices last Tuesday.
Updated
Jan 28, 2021
Joe Biden Repeals Donald Trumpâs Anti-Abortion Global Gag Rule
The president also directed the Department of Health and Human Services to consider repealing certain regulations under the family planning program Title X.
Drew Angerer via Getty Images
The global gag rule destroyed entire health systems, one reproductive health advocate said. President Joe Biden has revoked the rule.
President Joe Biden issued a presidential memorandum repealing the global gag rule on Thursday, a step in reversing anti-abortion policies implemented by former President Donald Trump that put womenâs lives at risk around the world.Â
âWomen should have access to the healthcare they need. For too many women today, both at home and abroad, that is not possible. Undue restrictions on the use of Federal funds have made it harder for women to obtain necessary healthcare,â the memorandum reads. âThe Federal Government must take action to ensure that w
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE, THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Section 1. Policy. Women should have access to the healthcare they need. For too many women today, both at home and abroad, that is not possible. Undue restrictions on the use of Federal funds have made it harder for women to obtain necessary healthcare. The Federal Government must take action to ensure that women at home and around the world are able to access complete medical information, including with respect to their reproductive health.