The comical age of Biden meme’s and rap songs targeting Donald Trump has come to an end. The reality is that the coming years for “Pro-Choice” programs and women alike will be a long fight. As of January 20th, there is a new Leader of the Free World. During his campaign, Trump mentioned numerous times his intentions to rearrange women’s health rights (including the overturn of Roe v. Wade). It seems as though brushing dust from the Global Gag Rule folder was the first step in showing just how serious he is. In favor of Donald or not, change is on its way in full force.
On January 23rd, Trump reinstated the “Mexico City Policy” (aka The Global Gag Rule). It’s not uncommon for a new president in office to decide whether or not to re-adopt the policy, and Trump had been transparent with the public on his intentions. Decades old, the Gag policy was closeted by Barack Obama during his two terms, and recently repealed by Trump. The reinstatement prevents foreign aid from going to programs who practice or discuss abortion. Between the fine lines, yes, this does include the almighty Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood provides statistics showing only 3% of patients are abortion cases, but for Trump that’s 3% too much. All funding will be held until programs like Planned Parenthood stop providing abortion services. According to their website, 75% of Planned Parenthood beneficiaries are below the poverty line. That means cancer screening, birth control, and other women’s health services would feel the blow as well.
So, what happens to millions of our sisters across the world? After all, there is an emphasis on the term “International” in the policy. This means that, even in countries where abortion is legal, U.S financial aid won’t be provided to the programs. According to Population Action International and Marie Slopes International, 21,700 deaths will occur in a four-year span. Along with this, 6.5 million unintended pregnancies, 2.1 million unsafe abortions, and 1.5 million women will be without contraceptives. Call now, and this can all be yours for the low price of one, four-year presidential term! But wait, there’s more! All of these numbers hold direct correlation with the Mexico City Policy. A study conducted by Stanford University shows correlation of the United States aid policy and abortion in developing nations is undeniable. Their study, released to WHO (World Health Organization), shows the decrease in maternal mortality rate when the policy is instituted.
So far, Marie Stopes International’s statement in response to the ruling stands firm. “Marie Stopes International knows that safe abortion is a vital component of women’s reproductive health care, and therefore we cannot agree to these conditions,” says the program.
As for the pro-life movement, this was a huge success. “We applaud President Trump for putting an end to taxpayer funding of groups that promote the killing of unborn children in developing nations,” Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee in Washington. However, with all the data released, it’s hard to feel accomplished. In the Stanford study mentioned previously, there is more death associated with the policy than without.
It’s now up to protestors and programs standing strong for the right to having a say in their healthcare. More than ever, we are relying on our pant-suit wearing sisters in the senate to stick it to the man these next four years. In all, we can only hope for a resolution in favor of women. After all, this is our battle, right? How can one make a decision for womankind, when they aren’t a woman at all? On the brink of major changes, we can only hope to move forward as a country, not backwards.