President Obama has issued an executive order ending a policy that prevented federally funded NGOs from performing abortions or promoting abortions.
The Mexico City policy, also known as the Global Gag Rule, has been a deeply divisive political issue. Since 1984 it has been in place during every Republican administration, but it was repealed during Clinton's two terms as president.
Not surprisingly, there's a stark contrast in the way proponents and opponents of abortion have responded to the news.
The Feminist Majority President Eleanor Smeal says the president "is now saving the lives and health of countless women and girls around the world." The organization is hopeful that the repeal of the policy will reduce the number of deaths due to unsafe abortions, and enable more women to receive gynecological exams, AIDS treatment, and contraceptive options.
In contrast, pro-life lawmakers are extremely disappointed by this decision. Last week seventy eight congressmen sent a letter to the president requesting him to continue the Mexico City policy, stating that "in these difficult economic times, the American people would not want us funding groups that are trying to export abortion around the world."
Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who co-chairs the House Bipartisan Pro-Life Caucus, says this decision to reverse the Mexico City policy goes against Obama's pledges of bipartisanship and governing from the center. He says Obama could potentially promote "the most extreme pro-abortion agenda in American history."
One thing both sides agree on, however, is that this action could be one of many subsequent decisions that increases access to abortions. Smeal is hopeful that today's executive order "is only the beginning," whereas Smith says if the current trajectory continues, Obama could be remembered, "not just as a smart, savvy, gifted and eloquent leader- but as the Abortion President."
Despite today's widely expected decision, President Obama has repeatedly stated his intentions to work on the economy first and foremost.
This economic focus probably won't prevent him from restoring U.S. funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the next budget, but it does suggest that he probably won't make any strong efforts to push the Freedom of Choice Act through Congress any time soon.