President Trump Just Implemented BIG Changes to U.S. Abortion Laws

President Donald Trump has restored U.S. participation in two international anti-abortion pacts, reigniting a contentious debate on global healthcare access.

At a Glance

  • Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy, cutting off U.S. funds for foreign organizations promoting abortions
  • The U.S. rejoined the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which aims to limit abortion access globally
  • Trump issued an Executive Order related to the Hyde Amendment, banning federal funding for abortion coverage in the U.S.
  • Critics argue these policies disrupt healthcare access and may lead to increased unwanted pregnancies
  • The move highlights abortion as a divisive issue in U.S. politics ahead of the 2024 campaign

Reinstatement of Anti-Abortion Policies

President Donald Trump has used his executive authority to restore U.S. participation in two international anti-abortion pacts.

This is very, very big news.

This action reaffirms the Republican stance on abortion, which has been a point of contention between political parties for decades.

The first of these policies is the Mexico City Policy, also known as the “global gag rule.” This policy, originally established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, cuts off U.S. family planning funds for foreign organizations that provide or promote abortions. Trump directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to implement this policy, stating its purpose was “to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars do not fund organizations or programs that support or participate in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.”

The second pact Trump rejoined is the Geneva Consensus Declaration. This declaration, co-sponsored by several countries in 2020, now has over 35 signatories. Its stated aims include improving women’s health care, preserving human life, strengthening family units, and protecting national sovereignty.

“Broadly speaking these decisions are going to really set the United States back in advancing gender equality,” policy fellow at the Center for Global Development Janeen Madan Keller said.

Critics argue that the Geneva Consensus Declaration effectively limits abortion access globally. They contend that these policies disrupt health care access and block foreign NGOs from receiving U.S. funds, even if they use their own money for abortion care.

In addition to these international policies, Trump issued an Executive Order related to the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding for abortion coverage in the U.S. This move rescinded two of President Joe Biden’s Executive Orders that aimed to preserve reproductive health services following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

“While this EO (Executive Order) has no immediate impact, it is an indication of the Trump administration doubling down on denying abortion access to people with low incomes,” Planned Parenthood said.

If Planned Parenthood isn’t happy, he’s probably doing the right thing.