Dutch commit $10M for abortion funding in wake of US ban

The Netherlands has committed $10 million to an initiative to fund abortion services in developing countries, Reuters reported Saturday.

The commitment is meant to help replace funding that is expected to be lost after President Trump signed an executive order on Monday reinstating a policy blocking foreign aid or federal funding for global nongovernmental organizations that provide or “promote” abortions.

Dutch officials said Trump’s decision to reinstate the ban, known as the “Mexico City Policy” or the international gag rule by critics, will reduce international funding for abortion services in developing countries by $600 million over the next four years, according to Reuters.

{mosads}The Netherland’s funding commitment is part of an effort by the country to solicit donations from around the world, including other countries.

Trump’s order to reinstate the policy was among his earliest moves as president.