By Canadian Press

Liberal government to voice support for Joe Biden cancelling U.S. ‘global gag rule’

Jan 28, 2021 | 8:46 AM

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — The federal government is expected to voice its support later today when President Joe Biden rescinds the United States’ so-called global gag rule. 

The policy prohibits international non-profit groups from receiving U.S. funding if they provide abortion counselling or referrals.

Biden will issue a presidential memorandum today that the White House says will protect and expand access to reproductive health care. 

The move is part of a regular back-and-forth between Republican and Democratic presidents when it comes to reproductive rights. 

The rule, introduced by Ronald Reagan in 1985, has been either rescinded or restored by every administration since Bill Clinton defeated George Bush in 1992. 

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Donald Trump’s version of the rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy, was the most expansive yet, covering an estimated US$12 billion in international health aid. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2021.

The Canadian Press