A gag on autonomy

Abortion restrictions arising in our red states are reflective of a policy introduced by President Reagan in 1984, which undermines reproductive rights of women across the globe. The Global Gag Rule is a U.S. government policy that denies the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide, assist, or educate girls and women in family planning. President Trump expanded on the Global Gag Rule by denying “gagged” organizations from assisting agencies that provide abortion services.

The Global Gag Rule undermines a country’s agency and diplomacy, especially those countries that depend on NGOs to support their population. This policy forces a country that is dependent on or requesting U.S. funds to choose between Western ideology and contingent funds or the autonomy to provide constitutional reproductive health options. Countries asking for assistance do not have the ability to walk away empty-handed and must accept the financial assistance. The Global Gag Rule denies a country and its women the access to safe family planning and undermines reproductive rights worldwide. Nationally and internationally, women’s rights are being overruled.

Masters of Social Work students, Devin Bingham and Jennifer Lacy

Spokane