The Trump administration’s radical expansion of restrictions on lifesaving foreign assistance will have devastating impacts around the world. Though the expansion was expected, its breadth fundamentally alters U.S. interaction with the rest of the world far beyond reproductive health. With this expansion, the U.S. continues its retreat from the family of nations and leaves marginalized people without protection or resources.
For the first time, these restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance will reach well outside of health care to include all funding and virtually every organization, government, or entity working to advance human rights, gender and bodily autonomy, or protection of marginalized communities.
Previously, the Global Gag Rule prohibited foreign organizations from receiving U.S. global health funding if they also provided abortion-related services or referrals — even if those services were funded with their own money and provided legally in their countries. For years, the policy had a chilling effect on global health, closing clinics and terminating lifesaving services.
This new landscape is far more damaging. In addition to the ban on abortion-related services, U.S. foreign assistance will be withheld from organizations that support policies the administration labels “gender ideology,” diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, or other rights-based programming. Restrictions apply to both international and bilateral organizations, as well as U.S.-based NGOs operating overseas.
This expansion is a threat to core elements of international aid. There is no way to provide targeted health care, education, or nutrition services without being able to assess need, so this ideological restriction could limit support as basic as emergency humanitarian relief.
The expanded global gag rule is a direct assault on the rights and well-being of millions around the world but will be felt first and most acutely by the women, LGBTQI+ communities, and marginalized groups AJWS has long supported.