The Trump administration is broadening its restrictions on U.S. foreign aid related to abortion services, extending the ban to include assistance for organizations that promote gender identity and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. An official from the administration announced on Thursday that the State Department is set to release final regulations that will expand the existing “Mexico City” policy, which has already significantly limited funding for international organizations providing abortion-related services.
Originally implemented under President Ronald Reagan and rescinded by subsequent Democratic administrations, the Mexico City policy was reinstated during Trump’s first term. The new regulations, first reported by Fox News, will prohibit U.S. foreign assistance not only to groups providing abortions but also to those advocating for “gender ideology” and DEI efforts, as conveyed by the anonymous official before the rules’ formal publication in the Federal Register on Friday.
This new policy change threatens billions in funding for international groups and has been strategically timed to coincide with the anniversary of the overturned Roe v. Wade ruling and the annual March for Life demonstration in Washington. The official indicated that the expanded policy will impact over $30 billion in foreign aid provided by the U.S., affecting both foreign and U.S.-based aid agencies, along with international organizations.
LGBTQ+ and abortion rights advocates have voiced strong opposition, asserting that these changes would force humanitarian aid organizations to choose between U.S. funding and providing essential lifesaving services worldwide. Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, criticized the expanded global gag rule, stating it jeopardizes medically necessary healthcare to fulfill a political agenda. Beirne Roose-Snyder, a senior policy fellow at the Council for Global Equality, expressed deep concern about the potentially destructive impact of these new rules.
Conversely, anti-abortion groups have celebrated the administration’s decision. Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of SBA Pro-Life America, called the announcement fantastic news while noting it was part of a larger series of actions, including efforts to halt funding for research using human fetal tissue and reviews of Planned Parenthood’s COVID-era loans.
The extent of the impact from this expansion of restrictions remains uncertain. The Trump administration has already made significant cuts to foreign aid, dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, which was a primary source of U.S. aid. Experts suggest that if the new regulations are implemented as anticipated, they could affect “many more billions” of dollars in funding compared to previous periods.
This development represents one of the recent efforts by the Trump administration to target DEI programs and reflect its broader political agenda. While the White House confirmed plans via social media, it has not yet provided a formal response to inquiries about the specifics of the policy changes.