The United States has rejoined the Geneva Consensus Declaration, reaffirming its commitment to pro-life policies on the international stage.
At a Glance
- U.S. recommits to Geneva Consensus Declaration, a coalition of 40 countries opposing international right to abortion
- Declaration affirms inherent right to life and national sovereignty over pro-life laws
- Move seen as significant legal step to prevent abortion becoming customary international law
- U.S. aims to support pro-life laws globally and resist pro-abortion advocacy pressure
U.S. Rejoins Pro-Life Coalition
In a significant shift in international policy, the United States has recommitted to the Geneva Consensus Declaration (GCD), a coalition of 40 countries that opposes the creation of an international human right to abortion. This move, under President Donald Trump’s administration, marks a return to the pro-life stance on the global stage that the U.S. held as a founding member of the Declaration.
The GCD affirms the inherent right to life for every human being and emphasizes national sovereignty over pro-life laws and policies. It promotes holistic strategies for women’s health, including maternal care, education, and economic development, without promoting or funding abortion.
Significant Legal Implications
Rejoining the Declaration is viewed as a crucial legal move to prevent the establishment of abortion as a customary international law. This stance aligns with the Trump administration’s previous actions, such as reinstating an expanded version of the Mexico City Policy, which restricts federal funding to international NGOs that perform or promote abortion.
“Returning the U.S. to the coalition carries significant legal weight in that it prevents the emergence of a false ‘human right’ to abortion by customary international law,” Elyssa Koren, International Human Rights Lawyer, ADF International said.
The recommitment to the GCD signals a clear intention to support pro-life laws globally and resist pressure from pro-abortion advocacy groups. It also gives developing nations a stronger voice against coercive global tactics that might otherwise push for more liberal abortion policies.
Reactions and Implications
Valerie Huber, a key figure in the Declaration’s creation, praised the move as a commitment to improving women’s health and affirming national sovereignty. She emphasized the importance of focusing on real health needs rather than ideological agendas.
“By rejoining, President Trump sends a bold message that the United States stands with sovereign nations to defend the real health needs of women against coercive tactics by global power players,” Valerie Huber said.
This shift in policy represents a stark contrast to the approach of the Biden administration, which had withdrawn the U.S. from the GCD in January 2021. Critics of the previous withdrawal argue that it prioritized ideology over genuine women’s health concerns.