Published 2 hours ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
Trump's abortion 'gag rule' has Canadian aid sector asking Ottawa to show leadership
Aid groups say the expanded U.S. funding ban is forcing partners to choose between programs as demand for sexual health services rises 20%, one organization said.
Canadian aid groups are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to assemble an international coalition to counter the expanded Mexico City policy, which blocks U.S. funding for organizations providing abortion counseling, sexual health information, or LGBTQ+ advocacy.
President Donald Trump drastically expanded the policy in February, barring U.S. funding for groups receiving money from other sources for abortion services while partnering with socially conservative governments abroad.
CEO Caitlin Goggin said Washington's policy is fragmenting the global health system, forcing partners "to make impossible choices about whose money they receive and take in a moment of global scarcity."
Erin Kiley, director of international programs at Oxfam Canada, noted a "chilling effect on rights and advocacy" in Zimbabwe, warning that people are "more likely to die because they're not receiving this kind of assistance."
Aid groups seek a renewed 10-year funding pledge, with Erica Belanger, interim Canada head of MSI Reproductive Choices, stating "Canada's soft power really, really matters in this moment.