The Mexico City Policy (called by pro-abortion activists and the national press the “Global Gag Rule”) conditions any receipt of funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by overseas non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on their agreement neither to perform nor to “actively promote” abortion as a means of family planning. The policy was instituted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 at the United Nations International Conference on Population in Mexico City. The policy was subsequently rescinded by President Bill Clinton on January 22, 1993, only to be reinstituted by President George W. Bush on January 22, 2001. The intent of the Mexico City Policy is to close loopholes that allow USAID money to fund abortion indirectly, circumventing standing law that prohibits direct funding—in particular the Helms Amendment, an appropriations rider. Without the Mexico City Policy it would still be illegal for recipients of USAID funding to use such aid in the performance of abortion, but aid would defray the non-abortion costs of abortion providers, freeing those funds for the performance of abortion. Furthermore, abortion providers in the developing world (like the International Planned Parenthood Federation and Mary Stopes International) have a storied history of using their Western funding to promote the legalization or liberalization of abortion laws. By restricting the funding of such groups, the Mexico City Policy is invaluable in protecting the profound and inherent dignity of human life and rule of law in the developing world.
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“By restricting the funding of such groups, the Mexico City Policy is invaluable in protecting the profound and inherent dignity of human life and rule of law in the developing world.”
Well said. And the reversal of the Policy does the exact opposite: tramples on the inherent dignity of human life and in my view becomes a racist policy, which would make the Mexico City Policy quite in line with the historical beginnings of Planned Parenthood. Evil comes full circle.
Although not unforseen, this is not the happiest day for those of us who are opposed to abortion. However, given the current state of the economy, it is doubtful that PP will enjoy the surge of funding for abortions that many fear. Funding for birthcontrol is apparently part of the new stimulus, but there is no reason that would increase abortions, and should in fact, decrease them. Time will tell.
Planned Parenthood will not only continue its efforts to receive govt. funding, but will increase those efforts, as they now have a willing Congress and President.
Note that PP has cut staff and taken a financial beating as a result of the Picower Foundation going under due to Madoff.
PP will keep going to the well, especially now that they are having financial problems.
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