In Leaked Budget Proposal, Trump Administration Threatens to Cut Global Health Funding Worldwide by Nearly Two-Thirds

Planned Parenthood Calls the Move Disastrous, With A Potential Impact on Millions of Women and Families Globally

WASHINGTON –Yesterday, Foreign Policy reported that President Trump will seek unprecedented cuts to spending for global health efforts funded through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and State Department, going further than any of his predecessors.

Statement from Latanya Mapp Frett, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Global:

"If this administration goes through with these cuts, the results will be deadly. Global health funding helps support HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, and Zika programs worldwide, among other things, saving millions of lives and increasing the stability and security of our planet. If this administration were serious about investing in women, children and families here in the U.S. and globally, they would be increasing programs meant to fight deadly diseases and public health epidemics – not eliminating them.

“Even though it doesn’t offer specifics on every program, we are concerned given this administration’s actions on global women’s health, including signing into law an expanded global gag rule and most recently defunding UNFPA, that funding for international family planning may be a particular target for cuts. After years of inadequate funding, President Obama’s increase in international family planning was a critical step forward in demonstrating our nation's renewed commitment to ensuring that women worldwide have access to safe and effective reproductive health care. Cuts to international family planning would reverse that lifesaving progress, destroying women's ability to both plan and support their families and communities, and thwarting development progress in countries that are the most economically challenged.

“As Trump closes in on his first 100 days in office, he is in danger of cementing a legacy of endangering the lives of millions of women around the world.

“This budget should trouble Americans not only because of what it will mean for women and families around the globe, but also because of the message it sends about this administration’s disregard for access to reproductive health care.”

In 2015, more than 300,000 women — nearly all of whom live in developing countries — died of pregnancy-related causes. It’s been estimated that one in three deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth could be avoided if women who wanted effective contraception had access to it.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With over 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

For over 40 years Planned Parenthood Federation of America has supported access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocated for reproductive rights around the world through our international arm, Planned Parenthood Global. In partnership with more than 50 organizations across 12 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. Last year, our partners reached over a million people with sexual and reproductive health information and services provided by our partners. 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.