Journal of Science Policy & Governance | Volume 18, Issue 01 | March 24, 2021

Policy Memo: Permanently Repealing the Global Gag Rule Will Internationally Advance Reproductive and Sexual Health

Roshni Varma

University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Los Angeles, CA

Corresponding author: roshnivarma23@g.ucla.edu
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https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG180114
Keywords: Global Gag Rule; abortion; foreign policy; reproductive justice; HIV/AIDS
Executive Summary: The Global Gag Rule bans foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that receive U.S. global health assistance funding from providing abortion services and referrals, advocating for abortion rights, or funding other organizations that provide abortion-related services. The rule presents a double bind: if NGOs elect to continue providing abortion-related care, they must forgo U.S. funding, requiring them to roll back services across the board. This reduces access to contraceptives, family planning resources, and maternal and child healthcare. The alternate option is to shut down abortion-related care to retain U.S. funding. Thus, the rule is ineffective in its purpose as it creates barriers to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, leading to increases in unintended pregnancies, abortions, and newborn and maternal death rates. In addition, restricted funding has negative implications for HIV/AIDS and reproductive cancer screening and treatment. The rule is currently implemented and repealed by each incoming president using executive orders. The United States Congress should pass the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act and repeal the Helms Amendment. This will permanently revoke the Global Gag Rule and reduce unintended pregnancies, abortions, and child and maternal mortality rates across the world.

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Roshni Varma is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is dedicated to improving health equity on a global scale by pursuing research at the intersection of healthcare and public policy. Roshni is also involved in legislative and clinical efforts to achieve the same goal.
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