£160m raised for abortion groups after Donald Trump’s global aid ban

The President of the United States has banned government money from going to any foreign aid organisation that discusses abortions

Protesters flood Independence Avenue during the Women's March (Getty)

Almost $200 million (£160 million) has been raised for abortion groups that have been cut off by Donald Trump’s global aid ban.

The President of the United States has banned government money going to any foreign aid organisation that discusses abortions. The move is expected to cause a $600 million (£515 million) shortfall.

Representatives from more than 45 governments attended a conference in Belgium where money was donated to fill the gap.

Alexander De Croo, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and the conference host, said women and girls could be pushed “into the dark ages” by the “purely ideological decision of one country”.

“We will start with making something great again. To be clear, any abortion that takes place is one too many But if it has to take place then I think it should be available and it should be available in a safe way," he said.

Mr Trump’s policy is known as the 'Global Gag Rule' and was first introduced by Ronald Reagan in 1984. It was repealed by Democratic presidents and reinstated by Republicans.

US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House (Getty Images)

The UK has been urged to fund abortion groups in response to Mr Trump’s ban.

Human Rights Watch called on Britain to send a message to the new administration by stepping up its commitment to health centres abroad.