UN Warns: Trump’s Cuts Severely Impact Women’s Health Worldwide

Severe Impact: UNFPA chief Natalia Kanem described Trump’s funding cuts as “devastating” for reproductive health worldwide, with $330 million worth of projects terminated overnight.

Affected Regions: Hard-hit areas include Afghanistan and Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp, where maternity wards have shut down, leaving midwives unable to assist pregnant women.

Consequences: The cuts are expected to lead to higher maternal mortality rates and more unintended pregnancies, as alternative reproductive health actors also struggle with funding shortages.

Political Context: The Kemp-Kasten Amendment, enacted in 1985, has historically led Republican administrations to cut UNFPA funding, with Trump’s second term continuing the trend.

Gender Equality Concerns: Kanem emphasized that women’s rights and reproductive choices should remain non-negotiable, warning that policy shifts could have life-or-death consequences.

Global Fertility Trends: The UNFPA’s annual report highlights that 40% of people over 50 did not have the number of children they desired, with economic barriers being a major factor.