Netherlands to set up an international abortion fund
The Dutch government says it wants to help set up an international abortion fund to help families across the world after US President Donald Trump reinstated the so-called Mexico City policy.
The Fund is aimed at covering the cost of abortion seekers in light of the new order by Trump.
On Monday, Trump signed an executive order, widely known as the “global gag rule,” which bars international nongovernmental organizations that perform or promote abortions from receiving US government funding.
Trump’s move has infuriated many charities and politicians across the globe, with Dutch official Lilianne Ploumen saying the lack of financial support will lead to “dangerous backroom procedures and higher maternal mortality.”
“This decision has far-reaching consequences above all for the women it affects, who should be able to decide for themselves if they want a child, but also for their husbands and children and for society as a whole,” Ploumen, the Dutch minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, said in a statement.
“Banning abortion does not reduce the number of abortions,” Ploumen said. (CNN)
