Iulia-Elena Cazan Associate Director of UN Government Relations and International Youth Coalition (IYc) | The Center for Family and Human Rights

A recent report from the Charlotte Lozier Institute challenges criticisms of the Global Protecting Life Rule, a policy reinstated by President Donald Trump that blocks U.S. funding to foreign abortion groups. The report suggests that the policy benefits both U.S. taxpayers and recipients of U.S. aid overseas.

According to a 2025 survey cited in the report, 73% of Americans oppose using U.S. tax dollars to support abortion abroad, including 55% of Democrats, along with majorities of Republicans and independents.

The policy respects cultural values and sovereignty in countries receiving U.S. aid, impacting organizations like the International Planned Parenthood Federation and MSI Reproductive Choices. These groups not only provide abortions but also lobby for more permissive laws abroad.

The report examines claims that the policy reduces access to healthcare, finding these concerns exaggerated. Some countries have seen declines in HIV infections and unintended pregnancies since the policy's reinstatement. Services affected mainly involved information provision rather than medical services.

Abortion groups argue that increased access to abortion is needed to reduce maternal deaths, but the Lozier report states that “Western aid has failed to focus on the causes responsible for 90% of maternal deaths,” which are preventable or treatable.

The pro-life policy reportedly affects abortion groups' ability to form coalitions and advocate for liberalized laws. Organizations partnering with the U.S. government often avoid aligning with these groups when disfavored by U.S. policy.

Currently an executive order, the Global Protecting Life Rule could be rescinded by a future Democratic president unless Congress enacts it into law, which would extend protections globally and stabilize service delivery by avoiding interruptions caused by changing partners.

The Lozier report concludes that this pro-life policy is effective and aligns with American public opinion as well as global perspectives on abortion rights.