1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

The global gag rule is a detrimental policy that limits access to critical health services and undermines reproductive rights worldwide. As the world's largest bilateral donor for global health and family planning assistance, the United States should demonstrate leadership in promoting women's health and free speech rather than obstructing progress. The global gag rule disrupts the delivery of essential services like HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal care, and contraceptive access in regions facing dire health challenges. It forces organizations to choose between accepting U.S. funding or counseling on safe abortion options, even in cases permitted by local laws. This policy silences advocacy efforts, weakens health coalitions by breaking partnerships, and rolls back hard-won advancements in access to care and human rights across the globe. We urge you to co-sponsor the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act, which would permanently end the global gag rule and prevent future administrations from reinstating this harmful policy that jeopardizes millions of lives.