BREAKING: House Passes Bill Permanently Eliminating Global Gag Rule and Removing Helms Amendment Restrictions
For Immediate Release: July 28, 2021
Full suite of House appropriations bills would collectively end all appropriations abortion coverage bans
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. House passed the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) FY2022 spending bill — legislation that would make historic progress for sexual and reproductive health worldwide. The bill, led by SFOPs subcommittee chair and reproductive health care champion Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), would permanently repeal the global gag rule, remove Helms Amendment restrictions, and make critical investments in family planning and reproductive health across the globe. During today’s floor debate, lawmakers focused on rolling back health care access and rights proposed amendments to reduce funding for international family planning and reproductive health care programs and to eliminate funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) — these efforts were soundly defeated by House health care champions.
The SFOPs spending bill is part of the full suite of House Appropriations bills that collectively would end all appropriations abortion coverage bans, including the Hyde Amendment, the ban for people incarcerated in federal prison, and the ban for Peace Corps Volunteers.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“For far too long, our nation has enforced neocolonialist policies like the global gag rule that block people around the world from getting the health care they need. They deserve better from us, and this bill is a major step toward becoming a true partner to the global health care community. We thank Rep. Barbara Lee and other sexual and reproductive health champions in the House for their work to ensure all people can access the care they need to take full control of their bodies and their lives. Today’s legislation is long overdue, and we urge its swift passage in the Senate.”
The global gag rule prohibits non-governmental organizations in other countries from receiving any U.S. global health assistance if they provide, refer, counsel, or advocate for legal abortion in their country — even if these activities are supported solely with non-U.S. funds. Study after study has demonstrated that the neocolonialist global gag rule devastates health care access for people around the world, especially those who already face systemic barriers to care.
This global gag rule was originally imposed by the Reagan administration, and has been rescinded and reinstated with every party shift in the White House. After President Trump reimposed and radically expanded the policy — extending its harm and devastation to even more women and communities — President Biden rescinded it on January 28. Marginalized communities — including women and girls, young people, and LGBTQ+ people, have been most harmed by the devastating constraints on services as a result of the global gag rule. Tragically, this harm does not fully stop even when the policy is not in effect. The looming threat of its return undermines sustainable progress on global health and gender equality, which reinforces the need to end this policy once and for all. Last month, a coalition of over 200 international civil society organizations released a joint statement calling for this permanent action.
For nearly 50 years, the Helms Amendment has created harmful barriers to safe and legal abortion for millions around the globe. The policy endangers lives, stigmatizes abortion, and undermines the advancement of health, human rights, and gender equality. The Helms Amendment restricts the ability of individuals to make their own personal medical decisions, and denies access to comprehensive reproductive health care. Women and young people in countries with low incomes are disproportionately affected — and lose access to crucial care that could save lives and change communities.
Beyond moving toward historic progress to end the global gag rule and Helms Amendment, today’s bill would also make critical investments in international family planning programs. That includes nearly doubling U.S. contributions to the UNFPA to $70 million, and increasing funding for bilateral family planning to $760 million. Following more than a decade of flat funding, these investments would help fulfill the unmet need for contraceptives among 218 million women in low- and middle-income countries.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Global thank House champions for their critical work to eliminate barriers to accessing safe, legal abortion and other essential health care. The organizations are eager to work with the Senate to send an SFOPs bill that permanently repeals the global gag rule — along with the full suite of appropriations bills that end all abortion coverage bans — to President Biden’s desk.
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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 more than 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.
For 50 years, Planned Parenthood Global has supported access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocated for reproductive rights around the world. In partnership with nearly 100 organizations across nine focus countries in Africa and Latin America, we advance the health and rights of young people, women and families, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable and underserved. Each year, our partners provide sexual and reproductive health information and services to nearly 2 million people. Our unique sustainability model sets us apart, as we empower partners to stand on their own. We help grassroots organizations develop solid reproductive health programs, identify other sources of funding, build their communications and advocacy skills, and develop strategic plans. Planned Parenthood Global is the international arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.