As expected, Trump Executive Order Reinstates Mexico City Policy
On January 24, 2025, marking the 52nd anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, which was overturned in 2022, President Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy (MCP) from his first administration.
The “Global Gag Rule” applies to global health assistance and extends to non-U.S. organizations and their partner non-U.S. organizations that may offer abortion counseling or services. The rule aims to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars do not fund organizations or programs that support or participate in the management of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. In essence, it prevents funding of organizations that provide abortion services, advocate for abortion rights overseas, and counsel clients about abortion. Reinstating the MCP has a significant impact on abortion and reproductive health worldwide.
Organizations implementing global health activities will need to quickly retool their training, policies, procedures, and oversight to manage the requirements and risks of the MCP, despite the suspension of foreign assistance for the next three months. The Trump Administration may also use this time to broaden the applicability of the MCP beyond global health.
Here is the January 24, 2025 Executive Order on the Mexico City Policy.