Boise City Wire

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have reintroduced the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at permanently repealing the Global Gag Rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy. This policy prohibits federal funding for foreign non-governmental organizations that use non-U.S. funds to provide or inform about abortion services as part of comprehensive family planning.

Senator Shaheen highlighted the detrimental effects of the rule on global women's health services: “The Global Gag Rule has had a detrimental effect on the ability of women around the world to access important health services and reproductive care.” She emphasized that progress in maternal and child health could be jeopardized by this policy.

Senator Murkowski added, “Women around the world, regardless of their financial status or geographic location, deserve access to comprehensive healthcare.” She stressed that reinstating this rule endangers such access.

The legislation is supported by 41 U.S. Senators and led in the House by Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL). The act aims to ensure eligible NGOs can continue operating U.S.-supported programs without sacrificing free speech or restricting their legal health services provided with non-U.S. funds.

Additionally, 58 organizations representing various advocacy groups endorse this act. The full text is available for public viewing.

Ranking Member Shaheen has been actively advocating against this policy since its introduction in previous years alongside Senator Murkowski and others. Her efforts include pushing for legislative amendments to bolster international family planning resources while eliminating restrictions imposed by the Global Gag Rule.

Shaheen has continuously sought support from her colleagues through letters urging leadership inclusion of these provisions in annual government funding legislation.