Trump Cuts U.S. Gov Funding for Int'l Abortion Organizations

President Trump signed an executive order Monday that blocks funding to overseas non-governmental organizations that provide or “promote” abortion. 

The policy, known as the “Mexico City policy,” or as critics call it “global gag rule,” “would prohibit any federal aid to foreign organizations that provide or promote abortion. In the past, the policy only applied to organizations that got family planning funding,” according to Politico.

Trump had expressed approval on his campaign trail of defunding Planned Parenthood and although this policy is designated for international organizations, it looks like a step in the right direction.  

Pro-life groups are applauding Trump for reinstating the policy.  

“President Trump is continuing Ronald Reagan’s legacy by taking immediate action on day one to stop the promotion of abortion through our tax dollars overseas,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List in a statement. “President Trump’s immediate action to promote respect for all human life, including vulnerable unborn children abroad, as well as conscience rights, sends a strong signal about his Administration’s pro-life priorities.”

Trump is sending a message considering he signed the executive order one day after the 44th anniversary of the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court ruling and Saturday’s massive women’s march.

“I think the president, it’s no secret, has made it very clear that he’s a pro-life president,” said Sean Spicer, White House press secretary to reporters Monday afternoon. 

“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.” 

But, the policy has also been “modernized” since former President George W. Bush reintroduced it.

“Not only has President Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy, he’s modernized it by applying it to all foreign health assistance programs,” said Dannenfelser.

While, pro-choice groups were quick to condemned Trump’s move.

“President Trump’s reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule ignores decades of research, instead favoring ideological politics over women and families,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). “We know that when family planning services and contraceptives are easily accessible, there are fewer unplanned pregnancies, maternal deaths, and abortions.” 

Other groups see this as a declaration of war. Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said Trump is making it “clear that women will be the first casualty of his administration.”

Organizations can comply with the policy and still get funding or can give up its federal funding like the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPFF) did when President Bush reinstated the policy.

The IPFF announced it won’t comply under Trump either.

“IPFF believes in the right of every individual to decide about their own health and well-being.  As an organization that seeks to protect and improve the lives of women, men and children around the world, IPPF and its partners in 170 countries will not sign a policy that denies human rights and puts the lives of women at risk,” said the IPFF in a statement.

While, pro-lifers are rejoicing after eight years of having their agenda suppressed by liberals.  

“The United States stands as an example for the world, and as that example we should not allow taxpayer dollars to be used in the funding of abortion whether within our borders or outside,” said Steve Daines, a Republican Senator. “I’m encouraged that in the first days of President Trump’s presidency he is protecting taxpayers and rights of conscience.”

Later this week, pro-life protestors will be gathering by the thousands to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C. And it looks like President Trump is already in favor of pro-life policies.