The richest couple in the world is alarmed by the disastrous consequences of the anti-abortion decree that the Foundation will not be able to remedy despite its resources.
It is an unfortunate habit that the Republicans have taken once they arrive at the White House: they remove the subsidies to international associations which guarantee women’s access to the voluntary termination of pregnancy. Not one since Reagan has deviated from this rule, the “global gag rule”, repealed at the discretion of the Democratic mandates. It was not a Donald Trump who was going to be an exception, he who during his campaign promised to lead the fight against the right to abortion …
Thus, the first legislative text signed by the hand of the new American president brought up to date the “global gag rule”. The United States, the world’s leading donor to family planning and women’s health programs in developing countries – where the most urgent needs are concentrated – will cut all federal funding to foreign associations that practice or promote access to health care. ‘IVG. That is to say, almost all of the structures that work to improve sexual health, especially in poor countries.
A hole”
Difficult to collect for these private associations of funds. Even harder for these women who, for at least four years, risk being deprived of valuable information. The announcement sparked outrage around the world, which was joined by the Gates couple.
At Guardian, Bill and Melinda have expressed their deep concern about the consequences of the Trump decree, which risks “creating a void that even a foundation like ours cannot fill.” With its $ 40 billion endowment, the Gates Foundation’s mission is to promote the health of populations, especially the most vulnerable, and to strengthen the power of women and girls over their own health.
Powerful women, rich country
However, the Trump decree goes even further than the previous “global gag rule”, which only concerned family planning. This time, all foreign associations that receive American aid are targeted. “This change will have an impact on millions of women and young girls, deplores Melinda Gates, quoted by the British newspaper. This will have a negative effect on a very wide range of health programs, which provide curative and preventive treatments to those most in need ”.
Among these treatments, the couple cites antiretrovirals used against HIV, but also treatments against tuberculosis and malaria. Indeed, the associations targeted by the decree often have an action that goes beyond just sexual health. In addition, the couple recalls that the poorest countries are also those where the woman has the fewest rights, including over her health. Strengthening the health of populations involves increasing the power and knowledge of women, as well as control over their own bodies. A constant that Donald Trump does not seem to understand.
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