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President Donald Trump has reinstated a policy to block taxpayer funds from being used for elective abortion procedures in the United States and abroad. On January 24, Trump utilized executive authority to reinstate the Mexico City Policy, which prevents taxpayer money from going to nongovernmental organizations overseas that perform or promote abortions. Additionally, he signed an executive order to enforce the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding for abortion.
The Mexico City Policy, often called the "global gag rule" by its critics, was first introduced by former President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Since then, it has been alternately authorized and rescinded by Republican and Democratic presidents respectively. In 2021, Trump's administration expanded this policy's scope to encompass most federal global health assistance under the name "Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance."
Trump's recent executive order also addressed what it described as the previous administration's embedding of federal funding for elective abortion across various government programs. The order rescinded some of former President Joe Biden's executive orders related to abortion access and healthcare definitions.
RealClear Politics reported that Trump signed these measures while aboard Air Force One after delivering a prerecorded message to the March for Life event on January 24. Neither Trump nor Vice President JD Vance mentioned these plans during their addresses at the pro-life demonstration in Washington.
Reactions to Trump's actions have been mixed. Mini Timmaraju, president and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All, criticized Trump's directives as harmful to those needing reproductive healthcare both domestically and internationally. Conversely, Marjorie Dannenfelser of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America praised Trump's decision as aligning with American taxpayers' wishes not to fund abortions.
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo also commended Trump's actions on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, emphasizing public opposition to tax-funded support for abortion.
The Catholic Church maintains that all human life is sacred from conception until natural death and opposes direct abortion. Following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in June 2022, church officials have reiterated their concern for both mothers and children while advocating increased support for those facing poverty or other challenges leading them toward considering abortion.
Kate Scanlon reports on national issues from Washington for OSV News.
