Canadian aid groups assess impact of expanded US abortion and LGBTQ funding rules

Canadian aid groups are weighing how to respond to expanded U.S. restrictions on funding for organizations that provide abortion-related services, science-based sexual health information, and LGBTQ advocacy, a change they say is already forcing difficult choices about programming in multiple countries. The issue has sparked calls to Prime Minister Mark Carney to lead a coalition of like-minded nations to protect sexual health services, after U.S. President Donald Trump expanded what is commonly referred to as the Mexico City policy in February.

Under the policy, first implemented by Republican administrations in 1985, U.S. funding is blocked for groups that provide abortion counselling or referrals. It has been rescinded under some Democratic administrations and then reinstated under subsequent Republican administrations. Some researchers and advocates have described the policy as contributing to worse reproductive health outcomes, including unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, though the extent varies by study and setting. In 2010, the Conservative government of Stephen Harper pursued a related approach in Canada by increasing maternal health funding while restricting...