Some European leaders give president-elect of the USA, Donald Trump, the benefit of the doubt, since election rhetoric and ensuing policy can be very different. But on sexual and reproductive health and rights, we should be prepared for the consequences of the election.
Ultra-conservative Vice-president
Trumps’ opinion of some sexual health issues are ambiguous at the very least. Several people of his transition team are outspokenly anti-abortion and anti-LGBT. The new vice president Mike Pence is an ardent opponent of abortion and views abstinence as the only method of contraception.
‘America first’
As ‘America first’ will be the future government’s doctrine, development cooperation will be all but a priority. The Trump administration will probably recycle the policies of former republican presidents Bush Jr, Sr and Reagan. The Gag-rule will most likely be reinstated: this rule forbids that any governmental development cooperation aid goes to organisations that have anything to do with abortion. This also refers to organisations that give information about abortion or give referrals to abortion clinics.
Anti-Choice
On international fora, the government will most likely develop a pro-active and aggressive diplomatic strategy against sexual and reproductive health and rights and women’s rights. Belgium, a strong supporter of SRHR internationally, inside and outside Europe, will have to deal with a stronger anti-choice camp and changing alliances.
Read a short analysis of the consequences of the elections in the USA (in French).
Trumps’ opinion of some sexual health issues are ambiguous at the very least. Several people of his transition team are outspokenly anti-abortion and anti-LGBT. The new vice president Mike Pence is an ardent opponent of abortion and views abstinence as the only method of contraception.
‘America first’
As ‘America first’ will be the future government’s doctrine, development cooperation will be all but a priority. The Trump administration will probably recycle the policies of former republican presidents Bush Jr, Sr and Reagan. The Gag-rule will most likely be reinstated: this rule forbids that any governmental development cooperation aid goes to organisations that have anything to do with abortion. This also refers to organisations that give information about abortion or give referrals to abortion clinics.
Anti-Choice
On international fora, the government will most likely develop a pro-active and aggressive diplomatic strategy against sexual and reproductive health and rights and women’s rights. Belgium, a strong supporter of SRHR internationally, inside and outside Europe, will have to deal with a stronger anti-choice camp and changing alliances.
Read a short analysis of the consequences of the elections in the USA (in French).
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