President Trump signed a pair of executive actions on Friday aimed at preventing taxpayer money from being used on abortions.
Trump, 78, issued a presidential memorandum reinstating the so-called Mexico City policy. This prevents federal funding groups from funding abortion procedures in foreign countries.
The move rescinded former President Joe Biden's January 2021 memo allowing taxpayer dollars to fund non-governmental organizations that promote abortion outside the United States.
“I will coordinate the Secretary of State with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a plan to extend the requirements of the reinstated memorandum to global health assistance provided by all departments or agencies, to the extent permitted by law. I direct you to do so,” Trump wrote.
“I further urge the Secretary of State to take all necessary steps permitted by law to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars do not fund organizations or programs that support or participate in the administration of forced abortion or involuntary sterilization. I direct you to take action,” he added.
Mexico City's policy has been the subject of a political tug-of-war since it was introduced in the mid-1980s.
The Reagan-era rules were scrapped by every Democratic administration, only to be reimposed when a Republican was in the White House.
Trump also signed an executive order to implement the Hyde Amendment. It prohibits any domestic ban on the use of federal funds for elective abortions.
“For nearly 50 years, Congress has enacted the Hyde Amendment and similar laws every year to block federal funding for elective abortions, saying American taxpayers should not be forced to pay for the practice. “Reflects long-standing consensus,” read the order. “However, previous administrations ignored this well-established common sense policy by embedding mandatory taxpayer funding for elective abortions in various federal programs.”
“Consistent with the Hyde Amendment, it is the policy of the United States to end the mandatory use of federal taxpayer dollars to fund or facilitate elective abortion.”
This order was ordered by the Supreme Court Roev to expand abortion access. In the wake of Wade's reversal, we will reverse several actions taken by the Biden administration.
The action came on the same day that the Justice Department announced it would restrict enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or “Face Act,” under Trump.
DOJ Chief of Staff Chad Mizell argued that the law is being unfairly used to target conservatives.