‘Gagging’ Abortion Access: The Global Threat of Trump’s Second Term to Sexual and Reproductive He...

As well documented by the media, Trump’s second term presents a grave domestic threat to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare, which has already been decimated across wide swaths of the country. Considerably less attention, however, has been paid to t…
Anton Stark · 6 days ago · 2 minutes read


The Global Gag Rule: A Devastating Threat to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

Trump's Anti-Abortion Crusade

Ahead of Trump's second term, the global gag rule is set to return, silencing organizations that provide or discuss abortion services with their patients.

The Global Gag Rule

The global gag rule, enacted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, prohibits non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from receiving US funding for family planning if they "perform" or "actively promote" abortion.

This prohibition extends not only to the provision of abortion services but also to advocacy for abortion rights, public information campaigns, and even referral for abortion.

Devastating Consequences

Research and experience show that the global gag rule has devastating consequences for women's health. It forces clinics to close, eliminates outreach to underserved communities, and reduces access to contraception and other essential health services.

As a result, women and girls face more unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and related deaths.

A Call to End the Gag Rule

Over 100 international civil society organizations have joined forces to demand the permanent repeal of the global gag rule.

They argue that it is "a critical prerequisite for the advancement of health, human rights, and gender equality across the globe." They call for solidarity with those harmed by the gag rule and action to ensure access to essential healthcare.

Project 2025's Expansion

"Project 2025," a group closely tied to Trump, proposes expanding the gag rule beyond foreign health aid to include all foreign assistance, including humanitarian aid.

This expansion would impact over $50 billion in funding and threaten services such as antenatal care and basic healthcare, hindering progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

A Real Threat

Given Trump's anti-abortion ideology and his past actions on the global gag rule, it is a real threat that he will reinstate and expand it once again.

Only permanent rescission of the global gag rule can protect the sexual and reproductive rights of people around the world.