Mexico City Policy: Donald Trump reinstates global abortion funding ban surrounded by men

The Mexico City Policy has become a political tug-of-war between Republicans and Democrats

Mr Trump signed three executive orders (AP)

Donald Trump signed three executive orders at the start of his first full week as president.

One withdrew the US from the TTP trade deal, one was a freeze on federal hiring, and the third was a block on federal funds going to NGOs that helped provide abortion services for women overseas.

Mr Trump’s reintroduction of the so-called Mexico City Policy or “global gag rule”, drew condemnation from abortion rights and reproductive health campaigners.

The move will prevent federal funds being used by NGOs to provide abortions for women overseas (Reuters)

And people were quick to point out that Mr Trump signed this executive order, which could impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of women, surrounded be men.

The Huffington Post said that under the administration of Barack Obama, which rescinded the ban in 2009, US funds helped 27m women access contraceptives.

The US government spends around $600m a year on international assistance for family planning and reproductive health.

In the Oval Office, Mr Trump was surrounded by White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, National Trade Council adviser Peter Navarro, Senior Adviser Jared Kushner, policy adviser Stephen Miller, and chief strategist Steve Bannon.

Vice President Mike Pence, known for his strident opposition to abortion rights, was also present.