What is the Global GAG Rule?

The Mexico City Policy, known as the Global Gag Rule (GGR), denies US funding to organiztions like IPPF if they use money from other donors to provide abortion services, counselling or referrals—even if abortion is legal in a country. 

The rule blocks critical funding for health services like contraception, maternal health, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment for any organization that refuses to sign up to it. 

When it has been enacted by previous Republican Presidents, evidence has shown that the rule has not reduced the number of abortions; rather, by eliminating access to contraception, it has led to more unintended pregnancies and more unsafe abortions.     

Related Article: IPPF Speaks out Against the Global Gag Rule

How will the Global GAG Rule affect IPPF?

IPPF's services apply an integrated approach. This means that any funding the federation loses could have a knock-on effect on array of services.  

For example, people who are getting voluntary family planning information, education and services may also need other types of healthcare like HIV testing and treatment, cervical cancer screening, infertility support or delivering maternal health services in humanitarian settings. Our integrated approach also covers work on sexual and gender based violence like rape, female genital mutilation and early and forced marriage.

What will Happen?

As a global SRH service delivery organization, IPPF has been partnering with USAID, the largest global voluntary FP donor for decades to increase access to reproductive health services.  

Currently, millions of men and women in the poorest and hardest to reach communities are accessing SRH services due to USAID support. With the GGR reinstated, many of these people will no longer have access to essential reproductive health services.

Related Article: IPPF: Why we will not Sign the Global Gag Rule