A Dutch-led Fund Aiming to Replace Aid Lost for Women’s Health Issues Due To President Trump’s Reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule

Devex: Europe raises at least $32.2M to plug ‘global gag rule’ shortfall
“NGOs say they are ‘heartened by the creation of a Dutch-led fund that aims to replace aid lost for women’s health issues as a result of the US president’s reinstatement of the ‘global gag rule.’ The fund has gained the support of at least nine countries and raised tens of millions of dollars. But advocates also told Devex there is still a long way to go to make up for the loss of funds triggered by the executive order from the Donald Trump administration, estimated to be at least $600 million and as much as $9.5 billion…” (Abrahams, 2/21).

Lilianne Ploumen (above), 54, minister of foreign trade and development cooperation in the Netherlands, established a nongovernmental organization, She Decides

Reuters: Norway pledges $10 million to counter Trump’s global anti-abortion move
“Norway has joined an international initiative to raise millions of dollars to replace shortfalls left by US President Donald Trump’s ban on US-funded groups worldwide providing information on abortion. In January, the Netherlands started a global fund to help women access abortion services, saying Trump’s ‘global gag rule’ meant a funding gap of $600 million over the next four years, and has pledged $10 million to the initiative to replace that. Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Finland, Canada, and Cape Verde have all also lent their support…” (Fouche, 2/20).

• Dutch Minister Who Launched ‘She Decides’ Speaks About Establishing Fund, Potential Impacts Of Mexico City Policy Reinstatement In NYT Interview: 

  New York Times: In Response to Trump, a Dutch Minister Launches ‘She Decides’

  “President Trump last month signed an executive order barring American aid to international organizations that discuss abortion as a family-planning option with clients. American law already forbids the use of taxpayer money to fund the procedure itself. In Europe, the president’s order brought an unexpected response. Lilianne Ploumen, 54, minister of foreign trade and development cooperation in the Netherlands, established a nongovernmental organization, She Decides, to raise money for aid groups whose funding is threatened under the new order. … I spoke with Ms. Ploumen by Skype last week…” (Dreifus, 2/20).

• Dutch Government Invests $10.7M In ‘She Decides’ Fundraising Initiative To Fill Gap Created By US’s Mexico City Policy
• Belgium Joins Netherlands In International Funding Plan For Birth Control, Abortion, Sex Education