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8 April 2025 – A new global survey of partners conducted by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has revealed the widespread impact of the Trump Administration’s funding cuts, putting essential sexual and reproductive healthcare at risk for millions worldwide.  From the responses received, the findings show:  72 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners (62%) currently receive funding from one of the affected sources. Of those that receive core funding from IPPF, over half (57%) are facing funding cuts. This indicates that a significant majority of IPPF’s partners are facing disruptions, impacting access to essential sexual and reproductive health services worldwide.  156 critical healthcare projects are either already terminated or at risk.  At least $85.2 million in funding is directly affected or already cut.  1,737 staff members across affected organisations could lose their jobs or already have.  3,961 service delivery points, including clinics and mobile units, are at risk of closure or have already closed. 8.5 million people could lose access to lifesaving SRH services.  These funding cuts are expected to have severe consequences on people’s lives for the communities we serve. If all funding at risk is indeed cut, IPPF estimates this will result in an additional 3,844 maternal deaths, over 3 million unintended pregnancies, and 756,010 unsafe abortions. These impacts will also place a heavy financial burden on national health systems.  The impact of the Trump Administration’s actions is particularly severe in Africa and South Asia, where many IPPF Member Associations depend on international funding to provide contraception, maternal healthcare, and HIV prevention services.   In Venezuela, U.S. funding cuts are projected to slash up to 30% of the Member Association’s 2025 annual budget, with an estimated $229,650 in lost project funding. These cuts will affect 10% of the sexual and reproductive health services provided by the IPPF Member, placing 30% of its staff at risk. Approximately 2,500 clients stand to lose access to care—an alarming number, especially as the organization is among the few still offering services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly migrating women and girls.   In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an estimated $10,000 in lost project funding will impact 90% of SVPPA’s sexual and reproductive health services. The organization is facing the potential loss of its entire staff, threatening its ability to operate. With 8 service delivery points at risk, these cuts could eliminate access to vital care, particularly for young people, in one of the country’s few youth-friendly providers.  In the United States, independent reports outside of this survey indicate that the Trump Administration intends to freeze funding for affordable contraception and reproductive health care for low-income individuals who rely on Planned Parenthood health centers.  To address the immediate crisis, IPPF has launched a Harm Mitigation Task Force to assess the evolving situation and provide emergency funding to its most affected Member Associations and Collaborative Partners. The first round of grants will be issued in April 2025, in an effort to ensure that critical healthcare services and access to life saving health commodities can continue.  “We will not allow political decisions to determine who can and cannot access healthcare,” said Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of IPPF. “At IPPF, we are doubling down. We are a resilient Federation with a long history of overcoming challenges. Our focus now is on mitigating harm, mobilising new resources, and ensuring that people who rely on us for care are not left behind.”    For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]   To support our Emergency Fund for IPPF Member Associations and Collaborative Partners most impacted by the funding cuts, click here.     NOTES  In February 2025, IPPF launched a survey to hear from its Member Associations and Collaborative Partners about the impact of the actions of the Trump administration.  We asked them about programmes cancelled both from direct US sourced funds and indirectly through other impacted sources as well as the effect this would have on their staff, service delivery points, clients served, and SRH commodities.    The survey was completed by 117 of IPPF’s 158 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners.  IPPF will do a follow-up survey in mid-2025 to assess ongoing impacts, acknowledging that the situation is changing rapidly.  Through the survey process, the value reported by MAs and CPs of their current funding affected is at least $48.8 million. This includes funding already lost or funding at risk across affected sources. There is a further $20.9 million in 44 pending proposals that now won’t come to fruition. Additionally, the IPPF Secretariat stands to lose $15.5 million in contracted work. Altogether, IPPF’s total estimated funding affected is $85.2 million. 

The Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the criminalization of consensual same-sex activity is an alarming assault on human rights. This ruling, which reinstates the criminality of private, consensual intimacy, is a direct violation of the fundamental rights of LGBTQI+ people and a stark reminder of the colonial-era laws that continue to inflict harm across the Caribbean. IPPF Americas and the Caribbean Regional Office (ACRO) together with local member Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT) stand unequivocally with LGBTQI+ communities in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region. We reject this ruling and any legislation that denies people their right to love freely and live with dignity. This decision reflects a justice system with oppressive statutes that have no place in a just and democratic society. According to Eugenia López Uribe, Regional Director of IPPF ACRO, this ruling is not just a setback for LGBTQI+ rights, it is an attack on human dignity: “It is a deliberate attempt to silence, criminalize, and exclude a part of citizens and people living in the country. But let this be clear: IPPF regional office in the Americas and the Caribbean will continue fighting for and with the LGBTQI+ movement so they won’t be silenced. IPPF will not back down. LGBTQI+ people’s rights are non-negotiable. " Criminalizing LGBTQI+ lives perpetuate violence, discrimination, and stigma. It emboldens hate, undermines access to justice, and creates a climate of fear where LGBTQI+ individuals are forced to live in further vulnerability. Research published by CAISO: Sex and Gender Justice’s  Wholeness and Justice programme in 2023 indicate that 1 in 3 LGBTQI+ individuals in Trinidad and Tobago experience discrimination and harassment, 1 in 4 face family violence, and 1 in 4 experience physical assault. “FPATT [Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago] notes the recent Court of Appeal decision that affirms an old law before independence that criminalizes persons of a different orientation, due to a technicality- the saving law clause,” says Professor Rose Marie Antoine, FPATT’s Board of Trustees President. “Interestingly, the British colonial masters that drafted that law have long abolished it. We note too that this was not a unanimous court decision. FPATT looks forward to the day when our legal system and laws can reflect true equity and non-discrimination, serving all our nation’s peoples in their access to fundamental rights and protecting vulnerable groups from harm and violence. FPATT will continue to welcome and serve all people regardless of their sexual orientation.” We call for urgent action: The immediate repeal of Sections 13 and 16 of the Sexual Offences Act. A commitment from Caribbean governments to decriminalize same-sex relations and protect LGBTQI+ individuals from discrimination and violence. An end to the use of colonial-era "savings law" clauses to justify human rights violations. Now is the time for every human rights defender, policymaker, and ally to take a stand. LGBTQI+ people in Trinidad and Tobago—and across the Caribbean, our region and the world—deserve justice, equality, and the freedom to live without fear. IPPF will not stop until that is a reality. For more information, please contact [email protected] - +44 7918 845944    About the International Planned Parenthood Federation   IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952 at the Third International Planned Parenthood Conference. Today, we are a movement of 158 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 153 countries.   Our work is wide-ranging, including comprehensive sex education, provision of contraceptive, safe abortion, and maternal care and responding to humanitarian crises. We pride ourselves on being local through our members and global through our network. At the heart of our mission is the provision of – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, and crucially no matter how remote. 

January 21, 2025—The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO). This executive order will have devastating consequences for Americans, global health and the communities we serve. This decision, which gives a one-year notice before taking effect, will severely undermine the WHO’s capacity to carry out its critical mission and will cost lives.  As the largest single contributor to the WHO, the United States provides approximately 18% of the organization’s funding, with the current two-year budget for 2024-2025 set at $6.8 billion. The withdrawal of U.S. funding will create an unprecedented financial shortfall, threatening essential health programs, partnerships and global public health.  Since its establishment in 1948 as part of the United Nations, the WHO has been at the forefront of global health initiatives. From combatting malaria and tuberculosis to improving women’s and children’s health, nutrition, and sanitation, the WHO’s role in coordinating international health policy, prevention and disease eradication is indispensable. Today, it serves as a vital hub for research, technical support, and health trend monitoring, addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, including sexual and reproductive health and rights.  The global maternal mortality ratio has stagnated since 2016 at around 223 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births. Only one WHO region (the South-East Asia Region) has recorded a significant decline in maternal mortality, while all other regions have recorded either a stagnation or an increase. "Defunding the WHO is a direct attack on the health and well-being of millions, especially the most vulnerable,” said Dr Alvaro Bermejo, IPPF’s Director-General. “Donald Trump’s decision to strip the WHO of its funding, before the expansion of the Global Gag Rule, adds further insult to injury. The health community has collectively endured unprecedented attacks against health care workers, patients and clinics, made possible with the previous US administration. Peace is the best medicine; we urge the Trump Administration to reconsider its position. The world needs a thriving WHO. Women, girls and LGBTQ+ people all over the world need a thriving IPPF. IPPF stands in solidarity with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and with the WHO. We will continue to resist, and we will continue to fight for peace, and for sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice for ALL.”  IPPF calls on the international community to stand in solidarity with the WHO and to work together to mitigate the catastrophic impact of this funding withdrawal. The lives and health of countless individuals are at stake, and we must act urgently to ensure that global health systems remain strong and resilient.  For more information please contact [email protected]  About the International Planned Parenthood Federation  IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952 at the Third International Planned Parenthood Conference. Today, we are a movement of 158 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 153 countries.  Our work is wide-ranging, including comprehensive sex education, provision of contraceptive, safe abortion, and maternal care and responding to humanitarian crises. We pride ourselves on being local through our members and global through our network. At the heart of our mission is the provision of – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, and crucially no matter how remote. 

For immediate release:  Antigua Planned Parenthood Association (APPA) / International Planned Parenthood Federation - Americas and The Caribbean Regional Office (IPPF ACRO) Statement on the government of Antigua and Barbuda re-examining abortion laws.    As the government announces a re-examination of existing abortion laws in Antigua and Barbuda the Antigua Planned Parenthood Association (APPA) is pleased that policymakers have heard the call of millions of women worldwide in the wake of the detrimental ruling of Roe vs. Wade in the U.S.A.   Access to abortion has been criminalized in Antigua and Barbuda since 1895, however, the government has acknowledged that the legal status has not prevented abortions with Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, Lionel Hurst, commenting “We know that it is better to have it done by a doctor than the practice used by some of having non-professionals engaged in this system – because it can cause permanent damage”.  The recognition that the current legislation has caused more harm than good, is certainly an encouraging first step toward the right to bodily autonomy for the women and girls in the country.   “In our local context, the laws which criminalize abortion do not prevent the practice but certainly restrict access to safe and timely medical care. Decriminalizing abortion care would mean access to often life-saving care is a reality for women in Antigua and Barbuda.” - Lyndale Weaver-Greenaway, Executive Director at Antigua Planned Parenthood Association    The mission of the Antigua Planned Parenthood Association (APPA), established in 1970, is “to advance the sexual and reproductive well-being of the Antiguan and Barbudan population by providing safe, efficient, and affordable sexual and reproductive health services including family planning”  Dona Da Cosa Martinez, Deputy Regional Director of International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Americas and The Caribbean Regional Office commends the government's recognition of the need for re-examination of restrictive laws that do more harm than good for its citizens., “Antigua and Barbuda are now at the height of making the changes which are necessary to ensure the protection and fulfillment of the human rights of all its citizens to have full access to reproductive care, and in doing so, establishing a precedent for the rest of the Caribbean to follow. Now is the time for regional leaders to ensure free and full access to safe abortion care in all their countries.”    The Antigua Planned Parenthood Association (APPA) is an Associate Member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), a movement of 120 autonomous members with a presence in over 146 countries. Member Associations provide non-profit family planning services, sexual health, and abuse prevention training and education. IPPF’s goals include giving clients the information necessary to make informed sexual health decisions, promoting continuous sexual health, and making high-quality sexual health services available.  

The US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade in the biggest blow to women's health and rights in recent US history, removing 50 years of constitutional protection for abortion across America, meaning individual states will now decide the legality of abortion within their jurisdiction. Twenty-six states, including Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia, are now poised to enact "trigger laws" that will severely limit or ban abortion, putting approximately 40 million women and girls of reproductive age at risk of losing abortion access, with lower-income people and people of color most severely affected.  The patchwork of state abortion bans means those without funds to travel for safe and legal abortion services or access medical abortion pills will be forced underground to unsafe and unregulated methods, with no guarantee of quality of care or aftercare if things go wrong. The devastating rollback of reproductive rights resulted from the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, a 2018 ruling that banned abortion in Mississippi after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Of the nine federal Supreme Court Justices, six voted to uphold the Mississippi law, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade, and three dissented. Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said: "The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is the biggest blow to women's health and rights in recent US history and an outrageous and devastating conclusion to what was already an unconstitutional removal of life-saving healthcare. "By continuing its unbridled attack on women's bodies and forcing them to carry pregnancies to term, the highest court in the land has reached its lowest point, robbing millions of their liberty, bodily autonomy and freedom – the very values the United States prides itself on. "We know for a fact that banning abortion does not mean fewer abortions and that when abortion bans are enacted, women and pregnant people die, as we have seen across the globe, most recently in Poland. We also know that those who cannot access safe abortion care legally, including medical abortion pills, will be forced into unregulated and unsafe methods, potentially resulting in serious harm or even death and costing lives for decades to come. "The fallout from this calculated decision will also reverberate worldwide, emboldening other anti-abortion, anti-woman and anti-gender movements and impacting other reproductive freedoms. The justices who put their personal beliefs ahead of American will, precedent and law will soon have blood on their hands, and we are devastated for the millions of people who will suffer from this cruel judgment." The overturning of Roe v. Wade also flies in the face of democracy and against the values of those the Supreme Court is meant to represent and protect, with the majority (60%) of Americans supporting Roe v. Wade and 70% believing the decision to end a pregnancy is between a woman or pregnant person and their doctor. Elizabeth Schlachter, Director of Advocacy and US representative for the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said: "The Supreme Court's perilous ruling is not just regressive but also wildly out of step with most Americans, who we know support access to abortion care. It is also at odds with much of the world, where access to abortion is expanding to reach all who need this vital health service. "By overriding the constitutional right to abortion across the US and handing the decision to each state, many parts of the US will now join El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Poland with some of the most restrictive, extremist, and life-threatening bans on abortion care in the world. "But this is not just about the anti-abortion movement in the US; this is concerted and calculated global effort by anti-women, anti-gender, anti-LGBTQI+ conservative and religious, white supremacist extremists, who are using dark money and undemocratic means to deny people their human right to healthcare, equality, bodily autonomy and ultimately, freedom. "With long-held rights under sustained attack, the International Planned Parenthood Federation is imploring governments across the globe to do more to protect democracy and peoples' freedoms from the interference and influence of these extremist groups." The International Planned Parenthood Federation's (IPPF) Member Association, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), continues to provide services to all who need them where legally possible, including via telemedicine for medical abortion pills. IPPF and PPFA will also continue to work around the clock to protect the rights of all people both in the US and globally, fighting extremism at its core and ensuring that women and pregnant people will not be forced to carry a pregnancy or give birth against their will. To help keep abortion legal, safe, and accessible, you can donate to the International Planned Parenthood Federation or Planned Parenthood Federation of America. For media enquiries, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected]   About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global service provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.   For over 65 years, IPPF, through its 118 Member Associations and 15 partners, has delivered high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare and helped advance sexual rights, especially for people with intersectional and diverse needs that are currently unmet. Our Member Associations and partners are independent organizations that are locally owned, which means the support and care they provide is informed by local expertise and context. We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care rooted in rights, respect, and dignity - no matter what.

ACRO’S Collaborative Partner in Ecuador, Cemoplaf, successfully implements a humanitarian initiative. In January 2022, Cemoplaf started a project to ensure sexual and reproductive health in emergency contexts*.   The project has two targets, the first one being the response for those affected by the flood in Quito, and the second, to migrants – primary from Venezuela.   Target 1 - Quito alluvium  La Gasca and La Comuna neighborhoods, two populous sectors of the capital of Ecuador, located on the foothills of the Rucu Pichincha Volcano, were surprised by alluvium. This natural disaster left many residents without housing, disabled mobilization in the sectors, and complicated access to health services.   In the face of this emergency, Cemoplaf provided first-hand response with free comprehensive health, sexual and reproductive health services for the affected people in these sectors. Thanks to the support and coordination of the institution with neighborhood and community leaders, an outpatient center was installed in a strategic location where approximately 378 children and more than 700 people have been attended so far.   While the project is underway, approximately 30 gynecological, family planning, sexual and reproductive health counseling, psychology, general medicine, and pediatrics services are provided daily.   "We make home visits to people who have not been able to get to the community house where we are providing care. (...) We provide free services and medicines and if necessary, according to the needs of the people, we mobilize them to the centers and clinics that we have in nearby areas and return them to their homes. Lourdes Rivera - Director Cemoplaf Adolescente.   This project will end in May 2022. The articulation, teamwork and inter-institutional coordination means that the medical care provided to those affected is followed up and referred to other centers, according to specific needs, to always provide a response, even after the emergency.  Target 2 - Sexual and reproductive health care for migrants   Due to the context of migration that has increased in recent years in the northern border of Ecuador, Cemoplaf, through IPPF's humanitarian project, provides sexual and reproductive health care services to migrants who are passing through the cities of Tulcán, Ibarra and Otavalo. Together with partner organizations such as Asociación ASIRIS, the Otavalo mayor's office and ADRA, among others, they have facilitated the organization, implementation, and access to these essential health services free of charge and in a timely manner.   Located in strategic locations in each city, Cemoplaf's medical personnel have attended 856 patients, who have been referred to other complementary services for a total of 2,895 services. The services provided are gynecology, prenatal control, family planning, contraceptive methods, HIV and STI tests, pregnancy tests, obstetric ultrasounds, clinical laboratory, and comprehensive services.   "Telemedicine service by WhatsApp have been a success during this project. Many people are walking and do not stay more than a day in a city. For example, if a woman had a pap smear or an HIV or STI test in Tulcán we can give her the results of her tests and refer her to one of Cemoplaf's health centers for control and follow up, and so on with all sexual and reproductive health services" Solange Gálvez - Director of Communication.   This project guarantees the population in human mobility access to sexual and reproductive health services completely free of charge, including medicines, care, and complementary treatments, providing follow-up, and adapting to the context of the migration situation.   "Cemoplaf has 47 years as an institution dedicated to offering health services and products, with emphasis on sexual and reproductive health that contributes to improving the quality of life of the population in vulnerable situations. The institution's staff has a social and ethical commitment to the defense of human rights that accompanies each project and care provided" Teresa Álvarez de Vargas, Executive Director of Cemoplaf.       * This project is part of Stream 3, one of three "streams" of IPPF funding, which accompanies each project and the care it provides. Dedicated exclusively to funding humanitarian response projects in response to crises and emergencies. The global humanitarian team manages, evaluates funding requests, and monitors implementation. requests for funding and monitors implementation. Projects are response projects for up to 6 months maximum and provide initial support, with the idea that the Member Association or Collaborating Partner will then look for another options.