The Netherlands Just Responded Perfectly To Trump's Abortion Gag | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The Netherlands Just Responded Perfectly To Trump's Abortion Gag

A new abortion fund is a praiseworthy response to Trump's foolhardy initiative.

4
The Netherlands Just Responded Perfectly To Trump's Abortion Gag
Justina Ambroz / Odyssey

At least there's sanity somewhere in the world.

Today the Netherlands, in response to Trump's reinstatement of the Global Gag Rules, which effectively restricts funding for any type of international non-profit that does abortion-related work (even if they only educate people), announced an epic fund in direct response to Trump's actions.

Lilianne Ploumen, the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, and my new hero, plans to establish "an international fund which would finance projects relating to access for birth control, abortion and women’s education, throughout developing countries" — a direct response to Mr. Trump.

Ploumen's goal is to have the fund supported by governments, businesses, and organizations who are "concerned by the US President’s actions." Ideally, this support will compensate for the financial setback caused by the loss of aid from the U.S.

New quickly spread on January 23 when Trump decided to reinstate the Global Gag Rule, which started in 1984 by Mr. Ronald Reagan. The Global Gag Rule (or Mexico City Policy) restricts funding for any type of international non-profit that does abortion-related work — even if all they do is educate people.

Trump isn't just preventing women in the United States from having abortions as an option — he's trying to ban it in other countries, too.

He's even cutting funding from 27 million women who needed assistance with contraceptive services and supplies, and none of that funding was being spent on abortions.

But internationally assisting women and couples shouldn't be about policy, and it certainly isn't about one man's beliefs. It's about giving those people the choice to choose for themselves and educating them so that they can make the best possible personal decision.

Ploumen, unlike Trump and his right-sided administration, understands that banning abortion doesn't lead to fewer abortions — only to an increase in unsafe practices and death.

The work Ploumen is trying to do recognizes the idea that the international aid does more than provide abortions and related information — and I'm willing to bet that not everyone in the Netherlands feels that abortions are the right choice. Yet here they are, trying their hardest to see that women in other countries aren't sheltered or cut off from the health care they need.

What Trump and many Republicans in office fail to see is that you don't have to be pro-abortion to be pro-choice. You can pro-life and, if you're open-minded enough, still believe that other women deserve the right to choose. Meanwhile, Trump seems to think that, because he believes one thing, that's what everyone should do now that he's in control.

But he can't control the world. Other powers — other countries like the Netherlands — will hopefully keep countering his attempts as much as they can. And we should take note. The U.S. isn't an all-knowing power, and we could stand to learn a thing or two.

Thank you, Netherlands, for standing up with us.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191531
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15623
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458395
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26904
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments