The American President, Donald Trump on Monday, signed an executive order banning
foreign aid or federal funding for any international nongovernmental
organizations that provide or “promote” abortions.
The policy which is nicknamed ‘Mexico City’ policy, established by
former Republican President, Ronald Reagan in 1984, blocks federal
funding for international family planning charities that provide
abortions or “promote” the procedure by providing patients with
information about it, including by offering referrals to abortion
providers.
The policy has been very political, with Democrats allowing it and Republicans blocking it.
George Bush Jr. banned it, President Obama in 2009 allowed the funding of abortion for international NGOS.
The ban comes 2 days after millions of women around the world marched in
support of women rights.That demonstration will be countered on Friday
by the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his first briefing Monday afternoon
“I think the president, it’s no secret, has made it very clear that he’s
a pro-life president,” “And I think the reinstatement of this policy is
not just something that echoes that value, but respects tax payer
funding as well, and ensures that we’re standing up not just for life of
the unborn, but for also taxpayer funds that are being spent overseas
to perform an action that is contrary to the values of this president.”
The move signals the beginning of a long fight over abortion that will
likely continue throughout Trump’s presidency.
Trump took traditionally Republican stances on abortion during his
campaign, vowing to sign any legislation defunding organizations that
provide the procedure and promising to appoint “pro-life” justices to
the Supreme Court.
Vice President Pence is also a staunch anti-abortion advocate who passed
several laws restricting the procedure while governor of Indiana.
During his time in Congress, Pence introduced several bills that would
have banned federal funding for organizations that provide abortions.
Republicans and anti-abortion groups cheered and praised the ban, saying
it was as an advancement of “pro-life” policies and signaled that more
would come throughout the Trump administration.
“Life is a precious and sacred gift, and we must do all we can to
protect it,” said Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas), chairman of the
House’s health subcommittee.
“I applaud President Trump for taking this important action and look
forward to continuing to work together in advancing pro-life policies
and protecting taxpayer dollars.”
However, Democrats denounced the order as an effort to “silence the
discussion of women’s reproductive choices.” Adding that women should
have the right to have the government fund abortions.
The United States spends about $600 million a year on international
assistance for family planning and reproductive health programs.
Trump’s ban will impact foreign organizations such as the International
Planned Parenthood Federation (IPFF), which provides family planning
services in more than 180 countries.