The Hill: How to revolutionize U.S. policies on women’s health and rights globally
Beirne Roose-Snyder, director of public policy at the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE)

“…This month marks two years since [President] Trump signed the [Mexico City policy, also known as the global gag rule (GGR)]. While there isn’t hope for this administration to end the policy, the new House of Representatives … presents opportunities for change. … Congress and U.S. civil society have an opportunity to revolutionize how sexual and reproductive health and rights are articulated and protected by U.S. policy. … But to revolutionize our approach, we must first hold our policymakers accountable to their U.S. global commitment to protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. … To do this, Congress and advocates need a shared understanding of comprehensive, evidence-based sexual and reproductive health policy and funding that is grounded in human rights. They need tools, like the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Index: Grading U.S. Global Health Assistance, to demonstrate what works and what does not. By monitoring the U.S. government’s work and demanding improvement, we can create a roadmap for the future. … As this new class of U.S. policymakers takes their place at the helm of our nation’s political and legislative decision-making, I urge them to think critically and act compassionately toward those affected by Trump’s dangerous policies. Codifying U.S. support for sexual and reproductive health and rights and ending the GGR is a good place to start” (1/24).