WASHINGTON - Trump reinstated the Mexico City policy, also known as the global gag rule, which was first put in place by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. It prohibits giving U.S. funding to international nongovernmental organizations that offer or advise on a wide range of family planning and reproductive health options if they include abortion ― even if U.S. dollars are not specifically used for abortion-related services.

The United States spends about $600 million a year on international assistance for family planning and reproductive health programs, making it possible for 27 million women and couples to access contraceptive services and supplies.

None of that money is spent on performing abortions. The Helms amendment has prevented U.S. tax dollars from funding overseas abortions since 1973. Proponents of the global gag rule believe the policy is nevertheless still necessary, arguing that Helms isn’t strong enough by itself.

The executive order is one of the first Trump has signed since taking office. Sitting in the Oval Office Monday, he also signed ones freezing federal hiring and withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

A pan of the people standing by his side showed that there were few, if any, women present.

Trump’s executive order has severe implications and could be deadly for women and girls in developing countries and conflict zones, who often resort to dangerous methods of ending their pregnancies when they lack access to safe abortion. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 21 million women a year have unsafe abortions in developing countries, accounting for about 13 percent of all maternal deaths.

The policy is rescinded and reinstated based on which party is in power. President Bill Clinton did away with it, President George W. Bush put it back and then President Barack Obama rescinded it again when he took office.



Until the day you die you will never see a photo of 7 women standing around watching another woman sign a bill telling men what to do with their reproductive organs.

AiA wrote on Jan 24^th, 2017 at 8:53pm:

Strangely enough, when ever there is an issue of abortion, men dominate the conversation.
Alway's.

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Jan 24^th, 2017 at 8:56pm:




I thought the highest abortion rates were in white trash.

But having a look at the figures I stand corrected highest rates in African Americans

Trump's put in new curtains. Looks like Melania has been to work.

Forget this silly bill, Raven. Women aren't too interested in that. The Oval Office looks lovely, and why not?

It's hardly Trump Tower, but you have to start somewhere.

Big Donger wrote on Jan 24^th, 2017 at 9:01pm:

Women rarely are - the thread was started for men.

Agnes wrote on Jan 24^th, 2017 at 9:04pm:


No Raven started this thread to point out the potential danger this bill can have on 3rd world health, especially young girls raped.

Since the 70s it is illegal to provide money to organisations that perform abortions.

What this bill does is prohibit funding to organisations that give advice about family planning and reproductive health that may consider abortion as an option, even ithough funding is not going to be used for abortions.

Raven wrote on Jan 24^th, 2017 at 9:52pm:


I believe this is similar to what Bush did as well. It is stock-in-trade Republican policy.