The US State Department is set to finalize an expanded version of the Mexico City Policy, also known as the “global gag rule,” on Friday. This policy will significantly widen restrictions on how American foreign assistance can be utilized abroad. The Mexico City Policy has historically limited US federal funding for foreign nongovernmental organizations that offer abortion-related services or advocacy, impacting global health and family planning efforts by determining which organizations are eligible for US aid.
Under the new regulations, the policy will not only impose restrictions on abortion but will also prevent US foreign assistance from supporting what the administration terms as gender ideology, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The State Department is expected to release three final rules that will expand the policy’s scope, extending it from global health programs to all nonmilitary foreign aid.
The expansion of the Mexico City Policy will lead to a significant increase in the aid covered by the policy, rising from around $8 billion to over $30 billion globally. Foreign nongovernmental organizations and international bodies receiving US assistance will need to certify that they do not provide or endorse abortion as a family planning method. Additionally, they must confirm that they do not advocate gender ideology, discriminatory equity ideology, or engage in unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion-related discrimination.
US-based nongovernmental organizations operating internationally will also be subject to the same certification requirements. The policy, initially introduced in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, has experienced various modifications with changing presidential administrations. While Republican presidents have typically reinstated the rule, Democratic presidents have revoked it.
President Joe Biden rescinded the policy shortly after assuming office in 2021, citing that the restrictions weakened US efforts globally. In contrast, President Donald Trump reinstated the policy in January 2025, emphasizing it as part of his administration’s foreign assistance strategy. The latest expansion of the policy is part of a broader initiative by the administration to combat what it perceives as progressive social ideology in federal policy and spending.
The finalized policy comes as anti-abortion activists gear up for the annual March for Life in Washington. This event, scheduled for Friday, usually attracts large crowds during the winter months. Vice President JD Vance is anticipated to participate in the march and deliver a speech.
