Trump Administration Reinstates Global Gag Rule, Limiting Women's Health Access and Increasing Risks of Unsafe Abortions

Jan 25, 2025, 06:11 PM

The Trump Administration has reinstated the Global Gag Rule, a policy that restricts global health funding for organizations that provide or promote abortion services. Critics, including public health advocates and lawmakers, argue that this move undermines reproductive healthcare and could lead to increased health risks for women. Patty Murray emphasized that the policy caused fear and confusion among health workers and resulted in worse health outcomes during Trump's first term. Melinda Gates highlighted that contraceptives are essential for women's health, and the reinstated restrictions could limit access to these vital resources. Amnesty International criticized the decision as putting millions of lives at risk, while Representative Rosa DeLauro warned that fewer women would have access to family planning services, leading to more unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Representative Lois Frankel called the reinstatement a dangerous regression in women's health rights.