Global “Gag Rule”

The Global “Gag Rule” is an intermittent U.S. federal government policy that prohibits the use of family planning funds by overseas organizations that perform abortions or do not explicitly oppose sex work. It has been widely criticized by women's groups and workers in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

Formally known as the “Mexico City Policy” due to its place of origination, it was given the name Global Gag Rule by opponents who sought to emphasize the ways in which it limited freedom of speech.

Although its anti-abortion basis was widely known, a lesser-known stipulation of the act required all organizations receiving funding to sign a form explicitly [Page 630]opposing prostitution. Those that took no position became ineligible for funds, as did those who referred ...