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Obama Expected to Lift Global Gag Rule Today
President Obama is expected to sign an executive order today that will repeal the Mexico City Policy, or "global gag rule." The policy prevents federal funding from going to organizations operating oversees that even mention abortion, let alone offer it or provide referrals for it.
The fate of the global gag rule has become the tennis match of reproductive health legislation. Reagan instituted it, Clinton rescinded it, Bush reinstated it. Traditionally, moves have been made on the policy on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, which was yesterday. Obama may be trying to downplay any decisions that will seem (or actually be, in this case) overtly divisive.
Regardless, it's a new(-ish) day, and this seems to be confirmation that those of us who were sitting around chewing our cuticles off at so much as a sniffle from Justice Ginsberg can finally take a deep breath and relax.
Photo by Daquella manera via Flickr
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