In a notable move for his administration, President Trump has taken steps to ensure that taxpayer funding does not contribute to abortions, both domestically and internationally. This decisive action comes as he signed two executive orders aimed at reinforcing pro-life policies.
Reinstating the Mexico City Policy
On Friday, Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy, a significant regulation from the Reagan era that prohibits U.S. government funds from supporting foreign organizations involved in abortion-related services. This policy has seen a yo-yo effect over the years, consistently upheld by Republican administrations but overturned by their Democratic counterparts. President Biden had rescinded the ban shortly after taking office in January 2021, citing concerns that it could negatively affect women’s health globally.
However, a poll conducted by Marist/Knights of Columbus indicated that a substantial majority—77% of Americans—actually disagreed with Biden’s decision. In Trump’s memorandum, he tasked the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a plan reflecting the policy’s reinstatement. He emphasized that U.S. taxpayer dollars should not support programs linked to coercive abortion practices or involuntary sterilization.
Live Action, a prominent pro-life organization, quickly celebrated the reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy, marking the day of Trump’s signing as significant, coinciding with March For Life, a major annual pro-life demonstration. They posted a message on social media highlighting the restoration of measures to keep taxpayer funds clear of contributing to international abortion services.
Affirming the Hyde Amendment
But the pro-life initiatives didn’t stop there. Trump also reinforced the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding provision that prohibits the use of federal funds for elective abortions. His directive underscored the principle that American taxpayers should not be compelled to finance abortion services, a sentiment that has been echoed in Congress for nearly five decades.
According to Trump’s order, the previous administration allowed taxpayer funding to infiltrate numerous federal programs, a move he is now reversing. “It is the policy of the United States, consistent with the Hyde Amendment, to end the forced use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion,” the order stated.
This approach drew praise from Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of SBA Pro-Life America. She expressed gratitude towards Trump for taking concrete steps to detach taxpayers from the abortion industry, asserting that this reflects the majority opinion of Americans who wish to see an end to public funding for abortion initiatives.
In her statement, Dannenfelser said, “This is a big win for babies and mothers.” She highlighted that Trump’s actions are a reflection of public sentiment against funding abortion, both at home and abroad. She added that the administration’s swift actions since entering office included dismantling a pro-abortion website from the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as supporting the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
Kristan Hawkins, from Students for Life for America, joined a chorus of supporters, rallying those in attendance to express their appreciation for Trump’s commitment to protecting unborn lives.
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