Overwhelming Majority of Americans Concerned About the Global Gag Rule's  Dangerous Health Consequences, According to New Research Released on International Women’s Day 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — New research released today shows that the global gag rule raises major concerns for more than two-thirds of Americans. Living through the nationwide devastation brought by the 2022 Dobbs decision, more than 70% of the respondents have major concerns that harsh bans on reproductive health, like the global gag rule will worsen health care outcomes worldwide —  including increasing maternal mortality rates and reducing access to HIV prevention services. This view cuts across many major demographics, but is especially true of younger people (ages 18-34) and people of color. By an overwhelming 36-point margin, Americans favor permanently ending the global gag rule. Support for permanently ending the global gag rule is so broad that it extends across party identity demographics: Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Democrats, 71% of Independents, and a majority of Republicans (58%) say they want to see this policy overturned in a lasting way.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

 “As we’ve long known, Americans strongly reject efforts to restrict access to reproductive health care both in the U.S. and around the world. Since the Dobbs decision, we have seen what happens when people can’t get the care they need. Americans are deeply concerned with the global gag rule’s impact on health care and rightly see this policy as part of a dangerous trend of denying women access to basic information and services. It’s time to stop playing politics with countless people’s health and lives across the globe, and make health care accessible for all.”

For 40 years, the global gag rule has disproportionately harmed girls and women, young people, and LGBTQ+ people in communities worldwide. This harmful policy prohibits non-U.S. organizations from receiving U.S. global health assistance if they provide, counsel, refer, or advocate for legal abortion services in their own country, even with their own money. It forces health care providers to choose between U.S. global health assistance and the ability to counsel and provide people with accurate information and a full range of safe and legal reproductive health options, ultimately jeopardizing the health of millions of people worldwide. Research and direct experience of Planned Parenthood Global partners demonstrate that the global gag rule impedes essential health services by cutting off funding to experienced providers and has had a long-term chilling effect on access across the globe.

While the global gag rule is not currently in effect, the polling released today underscores how deeply unpopular this dangerous policy is and the serious concerns that Americans have with disrupting health services and restricting reproductive rights around the world.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.

Planned Parenthood Global is the international division of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). As the leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care and education in the United States, PPFA is also committed to supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) champions and movements around the world through PP Global.  

For over 50 years, PP Global has partnered with and invested in brave individuals, organizations, coalitions, and movements taking risks and pushing boundaries to advance SRHR around the world. Currently collaborating with over 80 partners across nine focus countries in Africa and Latin America with relationships grounded in bravery, flexibility, trust, and mutual accountability, Planned Parenthood Global leverages innovative and well-established partnerships; depth of technical expertise; and flexible funding to incubate, convene, and defend brave individuals, organizations, coalitions, and movements pushing boundaries to advance SRHR around the world.