13.02.2017
Trumped again: reinstating the global gag rule

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) "This unilateral action must not be allowed to derail women’s right to sexual and reproductive health. (...) The latest ruling, however, provides an opportunity to step back from American politics and consider the global community’s response to Trump’s action. The following four structural changes would help ensure that the vagaries of one country’s views on abortion politics no longer have such a dominating influence on the rights of women globally to make fertility choices.

(...) Firstly, we need to end the over-reliance on single donors.(...) Secondly, we need to frame reproductive and sexual choices as an issue of rights. (...) Thirdly, we need to shift attention to all countries’ obligations and their accountability for access to services. Universal in nature, this shift is clearly needed in the 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia that have been the main recipients of American funding for family planning services, (...) Finally, we need to support and grow a global health movement based on principles of rights, justice, and equity for all. When governments fail to deliver on commitments to women’s health, civil society is a powerful voice for change—but many more voices are needed." (Photo: UN Women/flickr)