WASHINGTON – In one of his very first acts as America’s commander-in-chief, President Trump issued an Executive Order to stop U.S. taxpayer funding of the abortion industry overseas.
"He's a pro-life president; he wants to stand up for all Americans, including the unborn," Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters about the order. "The reinstatement of this policy is not something that just echoes that value, but respects taxpayer funding as well.
"This assures that we're not just standing up for life, for life of the unborn, but also for taxpayers funds that are being spent overseas to perform an action that is contrary to the values of this president. And to continue to illustrate not just to those here in this country but around the world what a value we place on life," Spicer said.
Trump's executive action reinstates the pro-life Mexico City Policy to stop U.S. taxpayer funding of the international abortion industry. The policy does not reduce foreign assistance, but it acts to ensure U.S. international aid partners act consistently to save lives, rather than promoting and performing abortion.
“President Trump is continuing Ronald Reagan’s legacy by taking immediate action on day one to stop the promotion of abortion through our tax dollars overseas.” said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “President Trump’s immediate action to promote respect for all human life, including vulnerable unborn children abroad, as well as conscience rights, sends a strong signal about his Administration’s pro-life priorities.”
President Trump has made four specific commitments to the pro-life movement, including reallocating Planned Parenthood’s taxpayer funding to comprehensive, whole-woman health care centers.