Obama Reverses ban on abortion funds

Seattle – Since the legal decision of Roe V. Wade, America has had a somewhat erratic position on abortion.

This has much to do with American politics: the Republican party has built a strong base of support by always opposing abortion in any way, shape or form, and many Democrats have sought to build support by writing pro-choice legislation.

Nothing exemplifies this like the “Global Gag Order,” also known as the “Mexico City Doctrine,” which was put in place by Ronald Reagan. In an attempt to shore up his base, Reagan promised that any and all international organizations which promote pro-choice options abroad will not receive federal funding, even if they do not use that funding for abortion-related activities.

This doctrine of never funding organizations which believe abortion is an option or a necessity has flipped whenever the presidency changes parties, and Obama is no exception to the rule. He has reopened federal funding abroad to family planning agencies which endorse, permit or conduct abortions. He has received heavy criticism for this decision from pro-life organizations and many Republican party members, however this decision appears to have taken a backseat to the economy.

Even though it has been celebrated by pro-choice advocates, the funding which he would open up is dependent on the budget for this year, which will inherently be tight and will have to focus on fixing domestic economic problems as much as international obligations.

Still, this decision is thought to be good news for family planning agencies who advocate abortion as an option, even if they only promote it in case of rape, incest, or threat of injury to the mother.