The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, announced plans to expand the existing Mexico City Policy, which historically cuts off American funding to entities involved in abortion services or advocacy. An administration official disclosed on Thursday that this policy will be broadened to also cover organizations involved in what they describe as 'gender ideology' and initiatives pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion, often abbreviated as DEI.
Originally adopted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, the Mexico City Policy, sometimes referred to as the 'global gag rule' by its critics, prohibits foreign NGOs receiving U.S. aid from engaging in abortion-related activities. The policy has seen successive reversals aligned with the party in the White House, having been lifted by Democratic presidents and restored under Republican administrations. Its most recent reinstatement occurred in January 2025 through the Trump administration.
The official, who spoke anonymously, stated that the State Department will issue three final rules on Friday to enforce this expansion. These rules will ensure that U.S. foreign aid, totaling around $30 billion, does not financially support abortion services or advocacy, as well as what the administration classifies as 'gender ideology' and discriminatory equity or DEI programs.
In line with this policy adjustment, the administration has aggressively curtailed domestic and international programs supportive of transgender rights and gender-affirming care. This has included a significant restructuring of U.S. foreign aid management, notably the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development offices and personnel reductions in diversity and inclusion initiatives. Critics claim these moves undermine support for marginalized communities, while supporters argue they prevent discrimination against whites and males.
Additionally, the State Department has recently indicated it will identify enforcement of pro-diversity policies and government subsidies for abortion services as potential human rights violations in its official reports, expanding the scope of its foreign policy narrative on these topics.