Dramatic Expansion of the Global Gag Rule Risks People’s Health, Lives, and Rights

The unprecedented expansion of the Global Gag Rule (GGR) will have devastating effects for underserved populations globally, particularly women, young people, and LGBTQI+ individuals, who already face numerous barriers to care. In years when the GGR has been in place, overwhelming evidence shows that abortion rates increase, contraceptive prevalence decreases, and health services are disrupted. The expansion of the GGR to prohibit all organizations accepting U.S. foreign aid to use their own, non-U.S. funds to provide information, referrals, or services for safe, legal abortion and the extension of the policy to include activities the U.S. administration describes as promoting “gender ideology”, supporting “discriminatory equity ideology”, or it deems “unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion programs” will impede health progress, endanger human rights, and inhibit gender equality. With sexual and reproductive health and rights already under threat from severe funding cuts and dangerous rhetoric that sows misinformation, undermines scientific integrity, and puts lives at risk, the decision by the U.S. administration to expand the GGR will further impact people’s ability to access comprehensive care, services, and support. The Population Council remains committed to rigorous research and evidence-backed policies that improve the health and rights of all people, including the right to reproductive autonomy and safe abortion care. Underpinning all our work is a strong commitment to including diverse perspectives, championing all voices, and building trust and belonging among the communities we serve—which requires the ability to speak openly about essential health services. We continue to call for the permanent repeal of the Global Gag Rule and the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights globally.Read More