Written by: Badr Ahmed

The administration of US President Donald Trump has sparked widespread controversy after expanding restrictions on funding for international organizations that provide or support abortion services, gender-related healthcare, and diversity programs outside the United States, in a move the administration says promotes family values, while experts and human rights organizations warn of its repercussions on women's health, especially in Africa.

Tightening US restrictions on abortion funding

Vice President J.D. Vance announced during his participation in the annual March for Life in Washington that the United States will prevent any international non-governmental organization that performs or promotes abortions abroad from receiving American funding, representing an expansion of previous policies that restricted only certain forms of support.

Africa is among the regions most affected by these measures, given the reliance of its health systems on foreign aid. According to the World Health Organization, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of maternal mortality and unsafe abortions in the world, with estimates suggesting more than six million unsafe abortions occur annually.

Supporters of the new policy argue that U.S. aid should be aligned with pro-life principles. Nicole Hunt of Focus on the Family said the current administration offers an opportunity to solidify pro-life policies through foreign aid programs.

Risks to women in low-income countries

In contrast, international organizations have warned that reducing funding could limit reproductive health services and increase the risks faced by women, especially in low-income countries.

Nardos Hagos, from the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said that declining US and European support for reproductive health could lead to an increase in women's deaths as a result of resorting to unsafe abortions.

Data from the Institute for Journalism and Social Change indicates that funding from American anti-abortion groups to Africa has increased in recent years, with spending on programs related to family and social values continuing to grow, although the full extent of these funds is difficult to track due to limited financial disclosure.

Reproductive health workers in African countries, including Kenya, have also spoken of being subjected to harassment and legal and electronic pressure because of their work, while activists assert that changes in US policy could reshape public health and reproductive rights programs on the continent, affecting millions of women who rely on health services funded by foreign aid.