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Colbert: Bolton Beats the War Drums While Jared's Immigration Plan Is a 'Complete Whiff'

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Amory Blaine5/17/2019 4:02:54 pm PDT

Trump takes war on abortion worldwide as policy cuts off funds

The Trump administration has taken its war on abortion worldwide, cutting off all funding to any overseas organisation or clinic that will not agree to a complete ban on even discussing it.

The Mexico City policy, dubbed the “global gag” by its critics, denies US federal funds to any organisation involved in providing abortion services overseas or counselling women about them. It was instituted by the then US president Ronald Reagan and has been revoked by every Democrat and reinstated by every Republican president since.

But, under Trump, the net has been thrown wider and pulled tighter than ever. Sexual health organisations have said women will die as a consequence as they pursue dangerous DIY solutions or “back street” abortions instead.

In March, the US extended the gag, stating that any organisation counselling women on abortion and using funds from elsewhere - even from its own government or a donor in another country - will no longer be eligible for any US funding. The diktat applies to all global health organisations. HIV and children’s charities must sign up to the pledge, alongside those running sexual and reproductive health clinics.