Bipartisan lawmakers reintroduce bill to repeal ‘global gag rule' on abortion reinstated by Trump
Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Wednesday reintroduced a bill which would permanently repeal a policy that restricts sending federal foreign aid to groups providing abortion services after President Trump reinstated it last week.
The lawmakers' move comes just days after Trump issued an executive order reinstating the policy, known as the Mexico City Policy or as the 'global gag rule' by opponents. The policy requires foreign nongovernmental organizations to certify that they do not use any funding sources to pay for performing, counseling, or providing information on abortions abroad as a condition for receiving U.S. funding.
'The Global Gag Rule has had a detrimental effect on the ability of women around the world to access important health services and reproductive care,' Shaheen said in a statement.
'We have made great strides towards ending preventable maternal and child deaths, reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and combating gender-based violence,' she continued. 'The Global Gag Rule puts that progress at risk.'
The bill, titled the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act, has been introduced several times in Congress by Murkowski and Shaheen. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also previously sponsored the measure.
Murkwoski said the legislation, which is supported by mostly Democratic senators, 'ensures that healthcare providers have continued stability to provide critical, often life-saving, care to women and girls everywhere.'
The Mexico City Policy was first implemented during the second Reagan administration. The legislation has been rescinded by every Democratic president and reinstated by every Republican president since then.
Trump previously restored the policy four days into his first term before President Biden rescinded it again a week into his own.
Trump's latest order, issued last Friday, was part of a pair of actions to limit U.S. government funding for abortions, scaling back some of the Biden administration's efforts to increase access to the procedure.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Anti-ICE protest mostly peaceful; arrest made after fight breaks out
SALT LAKE CITY () — Police estimate more than 1,000 people took to the Salt Lake City streets Thursday to protest ICE and the Trump administration's immigration policies. Salt Lake City Police called the protest 'mostly peaceful' as officers engaged with the crowd as demonstrations began, handing out guidelines for lawful gatherings. At the beginning of the protest, though, two counter protestors entered the crowd and seemed to instigate a fight. Video below: We spoke to one of the counter protestors before the fight broke out. He went by Kissmayoo and told 'Ice, let them do their job, okay? If you came here illegally, you have to go back. We're not trying to kick anybody out on purpose. We're just following the law. All these people out here, I think they're stupid. He is just doing his job.' One demonstrator, Veronica Bojorquez, explained why she believes it's important to show up. 'People are showing up, you know, and they're doing it peacefully and they're showing that we can do this the right way,' she said. 'And they need to listen to the people and especially of red state, where, you know, you think that not as much people as we see today are going to show up. I mean, they're here.' PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Anti-ICE protests begin in Salt Lake City The crowd spilled into the downtown streets with traffic blocked off. Police say they responded to some medical emergencies during the march. They also say the made one arrest after a fight broke out after 9 p.m., after many demonstrators had left. Police also noted, 'participants in the demonstration worked to mitigate and defuse several agitators provoking fights.' Some in the crowd were inspired to demonstrate in response to the raids and riots in Los Angeles. Thomas Camoin told us, 'They instigated it. People are frustrated. You know, it was a puddle of gasoline and Trump's people came in and put a match on it.' Police say a Tesla was vandalized in the demonstration. Chief Brian Redd released a statement in the aftermath saying: 'We're thankful that tonight's demonstration remained mostly peaceful. We also want to thank those organizers and participants who made a genuine effort to keep things lawful and respectful – that is our expectation and doing so respects the values of our community. As there are future demonstrations, we expect everyone to follow the law and to avoid confrontations that could turn violent. I also appreciate the hard work of our Salt Lake City police officers and those from allied agencies for their professionalism and coordination. Our top priority is public safety, which includes doing everything we can to keep safe while protecting our community.' Anti-ICE protest mostly peaceful; arrest made after fight breaks out Honduran nationals indicted after 52,000 fentanyl pills and cash were seized New Nimbus COVID-19 variant — What you need to know Wildfire burns 1500 acres in France Canyon in Garfield County, not contained Judge blocks Trump's National Guard deployment in Los Angeles Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
US ready to defend itself, Israel if Iran responds to Israeli air strikes, Trump says
U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 13 that he was aware of Israel's plans to conduct strikes on Iran in advance and that Washington is watching for any signs of retaliation by Tehran, Fox News reported. "Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back," Trump told Fox News' anchor Bret Baier. The comments come after Israel launched heavy air strikes against 100 sites in Iran, targeting the country's nuclear program and reportedly killing Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and other top officials. In a statement released by the State Department, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States was not involved in the strikes on Iran, calling it a "unilateral action." The U.S. has reached out to at least one Middle Eastern ally to say that the strike is going to happen, but that Washington was not involved, Fox News reported. Trump said the U.S. military is on high alert and watching for any kind of retaliation, adding that the U.S. will respond to defend itself or Israel if Iran strikes back. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that Tehran had already launched over 100 drones against Israel, which are expected to reach their targets within the next few hours. Before the attacks, Trump emphasized that despite tensions, he is committed to avoiding conflict and prefers a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear aspirations. "I want to have an agreement with Iran," Trump said, referring to ongoing Iran-U.S. nuclear talks in Oman. Writing on Truth Social, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to a "diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue," and insisted that his "entire administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran." Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has expressed willingness to accept limited restrictions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. In contrast, the International Atomic Energy Agency released a report highlighting Iran's failure to comply with its obligations to fully disclose activities at its nuclear facilities. Beyond the Middle East, Iran has emerged as a key ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine, supplying Moscow with drones used in attacks on Ukrainian cities. Read also: Israel launches 'preemptive' air strikes on Iran's nuclear program, IRGC chief killed in attack We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Philly's largest city union puts leaders on notice amid threat to strike
The Brief Philadelphia's largest city union authorities are putting the Parker administration on notice by authorizing a strike vote. District Council 33 says it agreed to a one-year contract extension in November 2024 with a five-percent wage increase, with the understanding it would continue negotiations with the city for a long-term contract. Its leadership says the city is now trying to low ball them. PHILADELPHIA - The largest union in Philadelphia, comprised of members who handle 911 calls, collect trash and more, is giving city leaders two weeks to reach what they say is a fair wage and better working conditions, or they will strike, having already authorized a strike vote. What they're saying "For many years, our members have been underpaid and undervalued, but we're the essential ones who make sure everything is done," District Council President Greg Boulware said. District Council 33 represents over 9,000 members. The union says those men and women keep the water flowing, make sure the airport runways are repaired and safe, handle 911 calls and haul trash. Without them, the union president says the city wouldn't be able to operate. "We touch every aspect of this city, from one end of the city to another," Boulware stated. "Our members are paid the bottom 25 percent for municipal workers in the country. That's sad. We're the sixth-largest city in the country." At a news conference Thursday, DC 33 leadership declared the two percent wage increase offered by the Parker administration doesn't cut it. "We need much more than we are currently receiving," Boulware explained. "We deserve much more than we are currently receiving. Our men and women work their ass off every single day." Several state representatives and members of other unions were on hand to show their support, demanding District 33 get the respect they say it deserves. President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, Danny Boulder, said, "One of the best ways to show someone that respect is in their paycheck." Tarik Khan, a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House, added, "On behalf of the Philadelphia Delegation, I want to say a two percent increase in salary per year is not acceptable. It's not acceptable." What's next District Council 33 announced members voted to authorize a strike. The union vowed to walk off the job if it cannot reach a fair settlement with the city by June 30th. "Thus far, it hasn't happened," Boulware said. "We'll meet any time, any place, anywhere, to make sure we can try to get this done. If not, unfortunately, we'll have to shut this city down." FOX 29 repeatedly reached out to the city for comment but have not yet heard back. Another bargaining session is set for tomorrow between city leaders and DC 33 leadership.
