Denmark’s Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced Tuesday that he would give $37 million to fund organizations that are losing funds due to President Trump’s re-instatement and expansion of the Mexico City policy, which bans U.S. funds from going to organizations that promote or perform abortions overseas.
“This is a clear signal to America. If somebody drops the torch, others must pick it up. The world needs leadership,” Rasmussen told the broadcaster DR.
He said Trump was “withdrawing from all international collaboration related to family planning.”
“Denmark cannot take over from the USA. We are a small country compared to the US, but a voice for freedom is needed in a world with war and conflict,” he added.
"Women and girls in developing countries are particularly at risk of violence and assault in times of war. That’s why they need more help in being in control of their own bodies, including the use of contraception," he said.
"It is a Danish priority that women should make their own decisions regarding their bodies,” he concluded. "This is something Denmark has always been known for."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a similar move in March, saying Canada would provide $650-million over three years for abortion and contraception programs overseas.
Trump’s policy, dubbed “Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance,” applies to $8.8 billion in government agency funding and ensures that “U.S. taxpayer money should not be used to support foreign organizations that perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations,” the State Department clarified in May.
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