In his first week in office, Donald Trump reinstated the Global Gag Rule, re-igniting a crisis for global health and reproductive rights. This policy restricts non-US organizations from receiving US international assistance if they provide, educate, refer or advocate for safe abortion, even with resources from other donors.
First introduced in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, the Global Gag Rule is a policy that has been repeatedly repealed and reinstated depending on the U.S. administration. Research shows that this policy increases maternal mortality, reduces access to contraception, and pushes people toward unsafe abortions.
“The ripple effects of the Global Gag Rule are immense,” says Frederique Chabot, Acting Executive Director at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. “It’s a policy that turns its back on evidence-based healthcare, putting the lives of millions—especially women and marginalized communities—at risk.”
The Global Gag Rule is compounded by the new administration's decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, ordering a stop to all USAID-funded programs until further notice and expected cuts to the main UN agency, UNFPA, that provides sexual and reproductive health care services, including contraceptive and maternal health care services.
Under Trump’s first term, Canada joined nations like the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden to fill the funding gaps left by the U.S. through initiatives like SheDecides. However, many of these countries are now led by right-wing governments that have slashed international development assistance budgets. Canada is also grappling with political instability from Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation, a prorogued parliament, and officials focused on navigating hostile trade relations with the U.S.
Despite these challenges, Canada has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to step up. Canada has a strong track record of supporting global health initiatives, with $1.4 billion annually committed to global health, including $700 million for sexual and reproductive health and rights, under a 10-year initiative. This investment has saved lives, strengthened health systems, and empowered grassroots movements worldwide. Canadians also overwhelmingly support improved access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion, both at home and globally through Canada’s international assistance policies. Polling from 2023 shows that 77 per cent of Canadians agree that our government should play an influential role in the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights around the world in the face of global backlash.
“Canada’s steadfast leadership on sexual and reproductive rights is needed now more than ever, women cannot afford world leaders playing politics with their lives and bodies,” says Meghan Doherty, Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. “We need the Government of Canada to recognize the urgency of the situation and work with partners across countries to mitigate the catastrophic harms of the Global Gag Rule.
As we enter a federal election, Action Canada is calling on all parties to affirm their commitment to global health funding and diplomacy, and to come together to address the catastrophic fallout from the Global Gag Rule. Action Canada is also calling on Canadians to share their support for sexual and reproductive rights in Canada and globally with election candidates in their riding. When global leadership fails, the consequences are felt most by those already marginalized. Canada has the resources, the values, and the moral imperative to lead in this moment.
An attack on reproductive rights anywhere is an attack on all of our rights.
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