Plan International remains concerned about the negative impact the Mexico City Policy (MCP) has on the lives of millions of vulnerable girls and women across the world. According to a new Stanford University study, there is “a substantial increase in abortions among women affected by the U.S. Mexico City Policy.” This study confirms that the policy actually produces the opposite effect of its stated goal of reducing abortion rates. In addition, it causes vulnerable girls and women to suffer as a result of vital sexual and reproductive health services being withdrawn.
The 2019 study compares contraception use, pregnancies and abortion rates in 26 sub-Saharan African countries during the reinstatement and subsequent repeal of the policy (also known as the Global Gag Rule) across three Presidential Administrations. Similar to a June 2018 report from the Center for Health and Gender Equity, the Stanford study published in The Lancet finds that when the policy is in place, there is “a rise of approximately 40% in relation to the average abortion rate,” versus when the policy is not in effect. This enormous increase in abortion rates is also mirrored by a decline in the use of contraception and an increase in unwanted pregnancies.
A February 2018 six-month review of the policy released by the State Department suggested conducting a further review of the policy by December 2018, “when more extensive experience will enable a more thorough examination of the benefits and challenges.” As of yet, no additional reviews have been released. If this Administration is committed to examining the effects of this policy, the Stanford University study should greatly inform their next review.
Quality sexual and reproductive health care services and information can transform the lives of girls and women, as well as their communities. The wider benefits of these services are helping pull millions out of poverty. Lack of access to sexual and reproductive health care services and information has broad implications that go beyond health, and is likely to impact girls’ and young women’s educational opportunities and career prospects.
Plan’s experience shows that comprehensive sexuality education and access to quality contraceptive services can significantly improve girls’ and women’s lives. It is imperative that the Mexico City Policy be repealed to ensure girls and women around the world are provided with adequate sexual and reproductive health services, in line with the evidence of its effectiveness. With this goal in mind, Plan supports the Global HER bill and the inclusion of the repeal of the policy in the House Appropriations Bill for FY2020.
