New findings have exposed a disturbing link between the Trump administration's cuts to global health aid and a surge in maternal deaths across Ethiopia. The policy, known as the 'global gag rule', restricted funding to organisations providing abortion services or even discussing termination as an option.
Devastating Impact on Women's Health
Research published in the BMJ Global Health journal reveals that the 2017 policy change coincided with:
- A 12% increase in maternal mortality in regions most dependent on US aid
- Closure of 22 family planning clinics in Ethiopia alone
- Reduced access to contraceptives for 1.4 million women
The Human Cost Behind the Policy
Dr. Yohannes Dibaba Wado, lead researcher from the Guttmacher Institute, stated: "These weren't just statistics - each percentage point represents mothers, daughters and sisters who might be alive today with continued funding."
The study compared health outcomes in areas with high US aid dependency against those relying on other donors, showing significantly worse results where American funding was withdrawn.
Broader Implications for Global Health
Experts warn this case study illustrates the dangers of politicising women's healthcare:
- Vulnerable communities bear the brunt of policy changes
- Health systems take years to recover from funding shocks
- Long-term development goals are compromised
The Biden administration reversed the policy in 2021, but researchers stress the damage will take years to undo.
