DeLauro Condemns Dangerous Executive Orders that Harm Women, Put Lives at Risk Around the World

WASHINGTON — House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro released the following statement on President Trump’s Executive Orders to reinstate the expanded Global Gag Rule and prevent women from accessing health care:

“Make no mistake, the Trump-Vance executive actions on abortion will hurt women and cost countless lives around the world. With the swipe of his pen, President Trump is limiting access to reproductive health care and hindering efforts to help countries around the world fight deadly diseases and provide family planning assistance. 

“The whiplash caused by reinstating the Global Gag Rule is dangerous. International organizations providing life-saving services should not be forced to choose between providing legal, comprehensive care with their own funds and accepting lifesaving assistance from the United States. These organizations work to tackle HIV/AIDS; provide family planning, reproductive, maternal, and child health care; fight tuberculosis and malaria; and supply the basics of life—water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

“We know what happens when these dangerous rules are in place. Fewer women will be able to access family planning services, resulting in more unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Some of our most trusted partners will be forced to choose between receiving United States funding or providing comprehensive health care, often leaving thousands of women without access to experienced providers. 

“We cannot look away while Trump limits women’s freedoms. The majority of Americans support the right to choose. Our work is critical.”

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