U.S. expansion of the global gag rule is a leadership test for Canada |
Some policy changes arrive with a bang. They dominate headlines because their intent is obvious and their consequences are immediate.
Others are more pernicious. Their effects are not felt first in Parliament or at news conferences, but in clinics, classrooms and communities far from capital cities and power centres.
The latest expansion by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration of what was known as the Mexico City policy fits squarely in the latter category.
The policy is often referred to as the global gag rule. It was introduced in 1984 by former president Ronald Reagan and attaches conditions to aid. Non-U.S. organizations receiving funding from the United States government must guarantee that they will not provide abortion services, refer patients for abortion, counsel on abortion or advocate for abortion-law reform — even with funds obtained from non-government donors.
After USAID: Why Canada must lead on global health now Canada should fill the void in democracy development left by the Trump administration
After USAID: Why Canada must lead on global health now
Canada should fill the void in democracy development left by the Trump administration
The policy seeks to dictate not only how U.S. government funds are spent, but the narrow path organizations must walk to remain eligible for financial support. Long embraced by anti-abortion advocates, it has the effect of restricting the activities of international organizations that provide or advocate for abortion care.
In late January, the U.S. announced an updated policy governing foreign assistance. It now extends into new areas of global health and rights-based........