Mexico City in United States
Mexico City Policy under the Obama Administrations and Family Planning-Related Provisions
This section provides a general background of mexico city policy under the Obama administrations in the framework of the abortion and family planning-related provisions in U.S. foreign assistance and, in special, in relation to Executive Branch Policies and Restrictions. (Note: find more information about Mexico City Policy in this legal Encyclopedia) (Note: find more information about the Obama Administration in this legal Envyclopedia)On January 23, 2009, President Obama issued a presidential memorandum to the USAID Administrator and Secretary of State rescinding the Mexico City policy and Bush Administration conditions placed on USAID and the State Department for voluntary population planning activities. The memorandum stated:
These excessively broad conditions on grants and assistance awards are unwarranted. Moreover, they have undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning programs in foreign nations [49].
President Obama also directed the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to waive the conditions set forth by previous Administrations in these policies and to notify current grantees as soon as possible. He further directed the State Department and USAID to cease imposing such conditions on any future grants.
More Details about Mexico City Policy under the Obama Administrations
Though the Mexico City policy was rescinded by the Obama Administration, it remains a controversial issue among many Members of Congress. It will likely be an area of continued interest for the 114th Congress and beyond.
Note: Based on the Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy Report.
Resources
Notes and References
49 Memorandum from President Obama to the Secretary of State and Administrator for USAID, “Mexico City Policy and Assistance for Voluntary Population Planning,” January 23, 2009.