In the first two weeks of Trump’s presidency, our worst fears for global health are already playing out, with a string of executive orders and deeply concerning actions this weekend that cast uncertainty over the future of USAID.
Whatever shape USAID takes, programmes will be bound by these executive orders. Amidst the chaos created by this administration, the details matter.
In addition to the global gag rule, Trump has published a directive to cease any diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA)-related activities, including in global health programmes. This will have far-reaching consequences, reversing decades of progress.
This directive goes against MSI’s core mission and values, and we will not comply. We will be working with partners and donors to keep our essential programmes going and ensure no one is left behind.
Simon Cooke, MSI Reproductive Choices’ CEO:
“At MSI, as one of the world’s largest reproductive health providers, we are committed to making sure that everyone, everywhere who needs our services, feels welcome and supported when they walk through our doors. And we refuse to partner with anyone who tries to coerce us into compromising on our values.
“With its global gag rule, the Trump administration has tried and failed before to make us bend on our mission, and now we wholeheartedly reject its directive to cease all work in support of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
“Complying would mean failing young people and denying them the care that meets their diverse needs. It would mean stopping services that support people of all gender identities and sexual orientations and failing people with disabilities, who are already marginalised and discriminated against.
“MSI is not willing to work with this United States Government under these conditions. We stand in solidarity with the many communities being damaged by this corrosive administration.”
Dr Carole Sekimpi, MSI Reproductive Choices’ Africa director:
“It is unacceptable for politicians in Washington to tell us who is deserving of support and, even worse, who to turn away. We shall not be used as a vehicle to perpetuate their extremist and discriminatory world view. We refuse to be any part of this.
“Respect for the dignity and diversity of every individual is an essential value across the African continent and all of MSI’s programmes and we refuse to comply.”
Notes to Editor
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