Repeal the Global Gag Rule Once and for All

The global gag rule is an executive order instated by Republican presidents and then rescinded by their Democratic successors for the last several decades. This cruel order strips U.S. funding from foreign health care providers if they use any non-U.S. money to offer abortion services, counseling or referral for abortion services, or even talk about abortion. President Trump’s version of the global gag rule was even more far-reaching, setting a dangerous new precedent for how discriminatory this policy can be.

Women, girls, LGBTQI+ people and other vulnerable communities risk losing their lives when they can’t access abortion care, contraceptives and other reproductive health services. The global gag rule is dangerous, discriminatory and prevents people from making their own choices about their bodies.

We have a timely opportunity to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world. Please add your name to this letter asking congressional leaders to put forward a vote on this bill today.

Dear Senator Schumer and Representative Meeks,

Across the globe, women, girls, LGBTQI people and other vulnerable communities are losing the basic human right to make decisions about their lives and bodies. The “global gag rule,” historically instituted by Republican presidents and then rescinded by Democratic successors, has denied health funding to organizations that depend on U.S. foreign aid around the world, simply because they dare to perform—or even mention—abortion, even with funds from other sources.

This draconian policy applies to life-saving services that have nothing to do with abortion—such as Pap smears, maternity care or anti-HIV drugs. The global gag rule has harmed and still threatens the lives, health and human rights of millions of people worldwide living in poverty, including in communities where our partners live and work.

That’s why I urge you and your colleagues to bring the Global HER Act to a vote, permanently repealing the global gag rule once and for all.

While, thankfully, one of President Biden’s first acts was to rescind the global gag rule, it could be reinstated by future presidents and its effects are still being felt around the world. Even when not in effect, this act creates a “chilling effect” among health care providers, making them reluctant to create programs that could end abruptly in a few years or put them at risk of losing critical funding.

The Global HER Act is the only way to ensure that the global gag rule never returns. Passing it is a moral imperative.

Thank you for all that you are doing to build a better, more just world.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]