A Marist poll published in recent days in the US, shows that 73% of Americans are opposed
to overseas funding of abortion. The poll also reveals that close to six out of ten Americans
(57%) also oppose taxpayer-funded abortion in the US itself.
The debate on taxpayer funding of abortion has been prompted by the decision of the new
US Administration to limit funding or advocating abortion within the US or overseas.
The move will result in two of the world’s largest abortion businesses – International Planned
Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and Marie Stopes International (MSI) – losing a combined
total of over $75 million in taxpayer funding that was earmarked for them to push their pro-
abortion agenda in the immediate future.
With regard to the ongoing US funding of healthcare projects in developing countries, the
order issued will have no impact. It is explicit in simply directing US NGOs in receipt of
federal tax dollars not to carry out or advocate for abortion in foreign nations. The
accompanying memo issued along side the executive order also directs the Secretary of
State “to take all necessary actions, to the extent permitted by law, to ensure that U.S.
taxpayer dollars do not fund organizations or programs that support or participate in the
management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.” These important
details and qualifications have been absent from most of the media coverage in recent days
with regard to what the order entails.