Inside Philanthropy: Gag Reflex: Melinda Gates Isn’t the Only Funder Worried About the Mexico City Policy
Sue-Lynn Moses, global editor of Inside Philanthropy, discusses President Trump’s reinstatement and expansion of the Mexico City policy, its potential impact on foreign NGOs that work on sexual and reproductive health programs, and remarks made by Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, on the policy’s potential effects. Moses asks, “How much U.S. aid money might be affected by the Mexico City policy, and how might philanthropy make up the difference? These are urgent questions right now.” She concludes, “Some may argue that philanthropic organizations and private donors could step in to fill what will likely be a gaping hole left should the U.S. pull its funding. Surely, the pressure will be on for them to do so and many will do more. But after looking at the numbers, it’s clear the funding gap is way beyond what private donors could fill” (2/15).