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Obama Lifts Abortion 'Gag Rule'

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 23, 2009 4:57 PM CST

(Newser) – President Obama today overturned the “gag rule” prohibiting the US from funding groups that provide abortions or abortion counseling overseas, Reuters reports. The policy has been enforced and rescinded depending on the Oval Office occupant since it was instituted under President Reagan. Unlike yesterday's high-profile signing ceremony, today's executive order was signed without the media present.

The policy prohibits groups receiving US funding from even discussing abortion. Obama’s decision opens up $400 million for family planning overseas to previously excluded groups, angering opponents. “It is an insult to the American people to bail out the abortion industry,” said one. Groups that back the president's decision say the ban resulted in illegal abortions and deaths.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Abortion opponents march past the Capitol in Washington during the annual March for Life. (AP Photo)

Protesters on either side of the issue clash in Washington. (AP Photo)

Abortion rights supporters and anti-abortion supporters march in front of the Supreme Court in Washington yesterday. (AP Photo)

President Barack Obama signs a series of executive orders yesterday. (AP Photo)

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We wake up every morning to a deepening financial crisis. Planned Parenthood is a billion-dollar company and they do not need additional resources to burden the American taxpayer.
- Charmaine Yoest, president, Americans United for Life

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 13 comments

riffran

Jan 29, 2009 5:04 AM CST

I say let Darwin take it's course....dang that was wrong!

alienvv

Jan 26, 2009 9:27 PM CST

It is great help to humanity to prevent all these millions of babies from being delivered and fed by the whole world ..there in Africa for example... People do need education, contraceptives etc, to control population at least in poor regions. ..I just do not know if we have to pay for it...

Shannonals

Jan 26, 2009 4:06 AM CST

The only comment I have is can't that 400 million be best spent here in the US?

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Reuters (Source Grid »)

Gag rule caused 15 million abortions in last 8 years: Planned Parenthood
Washington Post

Foes say move will increase number of abortions
Fox News

Abortion opponents rallied in DC yesterday
Associated Press

Politics • Health • World

abortion • pregnancy • Planned Parenthood • funding • aid programs • humanitarian aid • George W. Bush • Obama administration • President Obama • gag rule • family planning • Mexico City Policy • NGOs

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