American Jewish World Service Welcomes Introduction of Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) Director of Government Affairs Rori Kramer issued this statement following the introduction of the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act (HER Act) in the House and Senate:
“As a leading global faith-based organization that supports advocates for sexual health and rights and other human rights in 19 countries, we call on both the House and the Senate to pass the HER Act, which would repeal President Trump’s draconian global gag rule. This Trump administration policy, more restrictive than past versions of the global gag rule, denies U.S. global health funding of any kind for any organization that so much as counsels a single person about considering abortion as an option as part of reproductive health care.
“We strongly support the HER Act and applaud the lead sponsors, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Nita Lowey, for their leadership on repealing the immoral global gag rule. That rule threatens the health of millions of people worldwide—including women and girls, people with HIV/AIDS, LGBTQI individuals and sex workers—who are at high risk for health challenges. With new leadership in Congress, we urge both chambers to recognize the moral and policy imperatives to repeal the global gag rule and bring an end to this punitive policy once and for all.”
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About American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to pursue justice and fight poverty in the developing world. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 19 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all.
AJWS funds work for women and girls in 19 countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa, and mobilizes the American Jewish community to advocate for U.S. policies that support human rights abroad. Learn more at www.ajws.org.
For More Information
If you are a member of the press and wish to obtain information about our work or speak to a member of our global team on deadline, please contact Tanyanika Davis, Director of Media Relations, at tdavis@ajws.org.
