Mexico City policy

Mexico City policy, also known as the Global Gag Rule, is a United States government policy that blocks U.S. federal funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide abortion counseling or referrals, advocate to decriminalize abortion or expand abortion services. The policy requires any NGO that receives U.S. family planning funds to certify that they do not use non-U.S. funding to provide abortion services, information, counseling, or referrals and do not engage in advocacy to promote the legalization of abortion in their country or otherwise. The Mexico City policy is a focal point in the larger debate over abortion, reproductive rights, and global health.

History

The Mexico City policy was first announced by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1984 at the United Nations International Conference on Population in Mexico City, which is why it is named the Mexico City policy. Since its inception, the policy has been rescinded and reinstated several times depending on the administration in power. It was rescinded by President Bill Clinton in 1993, reinstated by President George W. Bush in 2001, rescinded again by President Barack Obama in 2009, and reinstated and expanded by President Donald Trump in 2017. President Joe Biden rescinded the policy again in 2021.

Impact

The Mexico City policy has been a subject of controversy and debate. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions overseas. Critics, however, contend that the policy restricts NGOs from providing comprehensive reproductive health services and leads to increases in unsafe abortions and negative impacts on the health of women in developing countries. Studies have shown that the policy, when in effect, has led to reductions in the availability of contraceptives in some countries, thereby potentially increasing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

Global Response

The global response to the Mexico City policy has been mixed. Some countries and international organizations have criticized the policy for its impact on women's health and rights. In response to the reinstatement of the policy in 2017, a group of countries and donors launched the She Decides initiative, aiming to raise funds to support NGOs affected by the policy.

See Also

• Abortion law
• Reproductive Health
• United States foreign aid
• Family planning