Reproductive Rights Government Website Darkens As Trump Ascends

Reproductive Rights Government Website Darkens As Trump Ascends

On January 20th, 2017, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. One of his first acts as president was to sign an executive order reinstating and expanding the Global Gag Rule. The Global Gag Rule is a policy that prohibits U.S. funding for any international organization that provides or even discusses abortion services. This policy has been widely criticized by reproductive rights advocates, who argue that it will have a devastating impact on women's health around the world.

The Global Gag Rule

The Global Gag Rule was first enacted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. It was rescinded by President Bill Clinton in 1993, but was reinstated by President George W. Bush in 2001. President Obama rescinded the rule in 2009, but it was reinstated once again by President Trump in 2017.

The Global Gag Rule applies to all U.S. funding for international organizations, regardless of whether the funding is for health care, education, or other programs. This means that any organization that receives U.S. funding cannot provide or even discuss abortion services. If an organization violates this rule, it will lose all U.S. funding.

The Impact of the Global Gag Rule

The Global Gag Rule has a devastating impact on women's health around the world. A study by the Guttmacher Institute found that the Global Gag Rule led to a 25% decrease in the number of abortions performed in sub-Saharan Africa between 2005 and 2014. The study also found that the Global Gag Rule led to an increase in the number of unsafe abortions, which can cause serious health problems and even death.

In addition to its impact on abortion services, the Global Gag Rule also has a negative impact on other health care services. For example, a study by the World Health Organization found that the Global Gag Rule led to a decrease in the number of women who received HIV testing and counseling in sub-Saharan Africa. The study also found that the Global Gag Rule led to a decrease in the number of women who received contraception.

Perspectives on the Global Gag Rule

There are a variety of perspectives on the Global Gag Rule. Some people believe that the rule is necessary to protect unborn children. Others believe that the rule is harmful to women's health and should be repealed.

Those who support the Global Gag Rule argue that it is necessary to protect unborn children. They believe that abortion is morally wrong and that the U.S. should not fund organizations that perform or discuss abortion services. They also argue that the Global Gag Rule is effective in reducing the number of abortions performed.

Those who oppose the Global Gag Rule argue that it is harmful to women's health. They believe that the rule makes it more difficult for women to access safe and legal abortion services. They also argue that the rule has a negative impact on other health care services, such as HIV testing and counseling and contraception.

Conclusion

The Global Gag Rule is a harmful policy that has a devastating impact on women's health around the world. The rule makes it more difficult for women to access safe and legal abortion services, and it also has a negative impact on other health care services. The Global Gag Rule should be repealed.

Reflection on the Broader Implications of the Findings

The Global Gag Rule is a reminder of the importance of reproductive rights. Reproductive rights are essential for women's health, autonomy, and equality. When women have control over their own bodies and their own reproductive choices, they are more likely to be healthy and productive members of society. The Global Gag Rule is a step backward in the fight for reproductive rights, and it is a reminder that we must continue to fight for these rights for all women, everywhere.