Washington, Jan 23 (NationPress) The US State Department is preparing to implement an expanded version of the Mexico City Policy on Friday, significantly enhancing limitations on the application of American foreign assistance abroad.

The Mexico City Policy, often referred to as the “global gag rule,” restricts federal funds from the United States to foreign NGOs that provide or advocate for abortion-related services. This policy has historically hindered global health and family planning initiatives by narrowing the pool of organizations eligible for US aid.

Under the revised regulations, the policy will extend past just abortion limitations and will also prohibit US foreign aid from supporting what the administration categorizes as gender ideology and programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

An official from the administration indicated that the State Department will unveil three final rules broadening the policy's application. These modifications will expand the policy from solely global health initiatives to encompass all nonmilitary foreign aid.

This expansion raises the total aid affected by the policy from approximately $8 billion to over $30 billion globally.

Foreign non-governmental organizations and international entities that receive US aid will need to verify that they do not provide or advocate for abortion as a method of family planning. They must also confirm that they do not endorse gender ideology, support what the administration labels as discriminatory equity ideology, or partake in unlawful discrimination related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Non-governmental organizations based in the US working internationally will face identical certification demands.

Earlier iterations of the Mexico City Policy prohibited federal funding to entities involved in abortion services or advocacy. During President Donald Trump’s initial term, the policy was broadened to include global health assistance.

The newly finalized regulations extend these limitations to all nonmilitary foreign aid programs.

Originally introduced in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, the policy was announced at a United Nations population conference held in Mexico City, which subsequently inspired its name.

Over the years, the policy has been subject to frequent changes with shifts in presidential administrations. Republican leaders typically reinstate the rule, while Democratic leaders tend to revoke it.

President Joe Biden rescinded the policy shortly after taking office in 2021, arguing that the restrictions undermined US efforts abroad.

“These excessive conditions on foreign and development assistance undermine the United States’ efforts to advance gender equality globally by restricting our ability to support women’s health and programs that prevent and respond to gender-based violence,” Biden stated while defending his decision.

Trump reinstated the policy in January 2025, consistently promoting it as a key component of his administration’s foreign assistance strategy.

The inclusion of gender and DEI criteria reflects a broader initiative by the administration to reverse what it characterizes as progressive social ideology in federal policy and spending.

“We’ve ended the tyranny of so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion policies across the entire federal government,” Trump declared in March 2025. “Our country will be woke no longer.”

The rollout of this expanded policy coincides with thousands of anti-abortion advocates preparing to assemble in Washington for the annual March for Life. Scheduled for Friday, this event typically attracts large crowds during the winter months.

Vice President JD Vance is anticipated to participate in the march and deliver a speech.