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With Donald Trump now re-elected, the stakes for sexual and reproductive health and rights have never been higher. We are closely watching how his presidency will unfold, knowing that it could lead to expanded restrictions or setbacks that disproportionately impact young people, women, and underserved communities.
Terms like the ‘Global Gag Rule’ and ‘Project 2025’ are frequently discussed, but what do they actually mean? Read more to find out.
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 U.S. elections
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How could the U.S. presidential election affect sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world?
Now that Donald Trump has won the election, his presidency is likely to have far-reaching consequences for sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide.
One major concern is the potential reinstatement and expansion of the Global Gag Rule. This would intensify existing restrictions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance funds for abortion-related activities. It would prevent foreign nongovernmental organisations receiving U.S. funding from providing information, services, or advocacy related to legal abortion. Instead of reducing the number of abortions, this will lead to more unsafe procedures, as many people would lose access to safe options. The resulting lack of access puts millions of people around the world at risk, driving up complications and fatalities among women.
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What is the Global Gag Rule?
The Global Gag Rule, officially called the Mexico City Policy, is a U.S. rule that says organisations outside the U.S. receiving U.S. funding cannot provide information, or services for legal abortion or advocate for access to abortion services. The Global Gag Rule was first introduced in 1984 and has since then been in place during most Republican administrations. During Democratic administrations, it was removed.
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What is Project 2025, and why should I know about it?
Project 2025 is a detailed action plan developed by influential conservative U.S. groups which serves as their blueprint for the next incoming Republican president. The plan includes specific policy recommendations to implement a conservative agenda, including restrictions on access to sexual and reproductive health services, both in the U.S. and worldwide. It pushes for policy changes at many levels of government, which could have lasting effects on health rights and services.
For those working in the field of sexual health and rights it is important to understand how these policies could impact funding and resources for your programmes. Stay informed and be ready to respond.
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Why should I care about the Global Gag Rule or Project 2025 (if I don’t live in the U.S.)?
The U.S. is the largest contributor to global health funding and – if implemented – restrictive policies like the Global Gag Rule and (elements of) Project 2025 can create a ripple effect worldwide. These policies further limit the scope of sexual and reproductive health services available to millions, particularly in low-income countries that rely heavily on U.S.-funded programmes for maternal health, contraception, and HIV prevention and treatment.
Even without the Global Gag Rule, U.S. laws already restrict the use of foreign assistance for abortion related services. However, the Global Gag Rule goes a step further by preventing organisations from receiving U.S. funding if they provide any services or information related to abortion, even with separate, non-U.S. funding.
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What are the consequences of the Global Gag Rule and Project 2025 for sexual and reproductive health and rights globally?
Both the Global Gag Rule and other elements of Project 2025 aim to limit access to sexual and reproductive health services by setting strict rules on funding or eliminating it altogether. Because organisations may be (partly) dependent on U.S. funding, his could result in fewer services for contraception, maternal health, and safe abortion. The consequences would be more unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and increased health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. Since Project 2025 proposes an expanded and more restrictive version of the Global Gag Rule, we can expect an even further reduction in access to essential health services than we’ve seen in the past.
Project 2025 also includes cutting U.S. contributions to multilateral organisations like the WHO and other parts of the UN, risking major gaps in health and rights support worldwide.
With Trump now re-elected, these measures could severely impact sexual and reproductive health and rights for women, girls, and LGBTQI+ people worldwide.
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How does the Global Gag Rule specifically impact safe abortion services?
The Global Gag Rule – if reinstated – withdraws funding from organisations that provide or even discuss safe abortion services, forcing many NGOs to reduce or stop these services entirely. Organisations lose all U.S. funding if they continue to offer services that include abortion information or safe abortion care.
Instead of lowering abortion rates, it leads to more unsafe procedures, as people lose access to safe options. This lack of access puts millions of women around the world at risk, causing serious health complications and even deaths.
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How can I further educate myself?
Here are some suggested readings into the Global Gag Rule and Project 2025:
