The Department of State released three final rules expanding the harmful anti-abortion policy known as the Global Gag Rule. The new rules put domestic and foreign non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and foreign governments that receive U.S. funding at risk of losing that funding if they mention abortion, gender identity, or DEI. The new rules are set to go into effect on February 26, 2026.

The Global Gag Rule historically blocked foreign organizations that receive U.S. global health assistance funds from providing, counseling, or referring for abortion services in their own countries — even when those activities are lawful and supported entirely with non-U.S. funds. President Trump initially reinstated the Global Gag Rule in January 2025, shortly after taking office. Under this new rule, the policy has been expanded from global health assistance to all non-military U.S. foreign assistance, including for example, humanitarian aid organizations that supply food, water, and medicine after natural disasters or conflicts. 

The new rules further stand to take away U.S. funding from organizations that provide care to transgender people or participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This unprecedented expansion represents a weaponization of foreign assistance to force the Trump administration’s harmful anti-rights agenda on people around the world. It will significantly set back global health, gender equality, and human rights, particularly for vulnerable communities who already face systemic barriers to accessing critical health care. Read our full statement here.