Bill and Melinda Gates Warn Mexico City Policy Could Endanger Global Aid Katie Reilly - TIME
go to original February 15, 2017

Melinda Gates Explains Concerns About Mexico City Policy (Bloomberg)

In interviews ahead of the Tuesday release of their foundation’s annual letter, the Gateses voiced concern about the effects of Trump’s “America First” doctrine and the Mexico City Policy, which Trump reinstated last month.

“We’re concerned that this shift could impact millions of women and girls around the world,” Melinda Gates said in an interview with the Guardian, about the Mexico City Policy. “It’s likely to have a negative effect on a broad range of health programs that provide lifesaving treatment and prevention options to those most in need.”

The Mexico City Policy prohibits the allocation of U.S. foreign aid to any nongovernmental organization abroad that discusses abortion as a family-planning option.

Bill Gates told the Guardian that the expansion of the policy “could create a void that even a foundation like ours can’t fill.” In an interview with USA Today, he also said Trump’s “America First” policy could mean a shift away from prioritizing African stability and American leadership on African issues.

“With this new crowd, and with some of things they want to do fiscally, it just means we’re going to have to tell the story of how amazing this work is,” he said.

Among the achievements cited in their letter, the Gateses said 86% of children worldwide now receive basic vaccines — the highest percentage in history. More than 300 million women in developing countries now use modern methods of contraception — also a first in history. And they predict that polio could finally be eradicated this year.

Read the rest at Yahoo! News

Related: Gag Reflex: Melinda Gates Isn't the Only Funder Worried About the Mexico City Policy (Inside Philanthropy)

Related: Lack of Funding Presents Hurdle to Refugees Seeking Access to Sexual, Reproductive Health Services (theBJMopinion)

Related: Australia to Provide $7.3M to International Planned Parenthood Federation; Move Seen By Many as Rebuke to Mexico City Policy Reinstatement (Devex)

Related: Global Gag Order Leaves NGOs Confused, U.S. Agencies Scrambling (U.S. News)

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