The U.S. returns to the international agreement promoting women’s health and family values, sparking controversy over abortion restrictions.
The U.S. reenters the Geneva Consensus Declaration, advocating for women’s health and family values. Critics warn it could limit abortion access for millions globally.
U.S. Rejoins Geneva Consensus Declaration
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States is rejoining the Geneva Consensus Declaration (GCD), an international agreement aimed at “promoting women’s health and strengthening the family.” Critics argue, however, that the agreement restricts abortion access for millions of women worldwide.
“Today, the United States informed the signatories of the Geneva Consensus Declaration of our intention to immediately rejoin it,” Rubio stated in a press release.
The GCD was initially co-sponsored in 2020 by the United States, Brazil, Uganda, Egypt, Hungary, and Indonesia under the administration of former President Donald Trump. At the time, the U.S. government emphasized that the declaration sought to enhance women’s healthcare, protect human life, and reinforce the family as a fundamental societal unit. Additionally, it advocated for national sovereignty in health policy decisions, free from external interference.
“Protecting Life at All Stages”
The U.S. State Department reiterated that one of the declaration’s four key goals is “protecting life at all stages.” However, the reentry into the GCD has reignited debates over reproductive rights and access to abortion, with many critics viewing the agreement as a step backward for women’s rights.
A Policy U-Turn
In January 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration withdrew U.S. support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration, aligning with a more liberal stance on reproductive rights. The administration aimed to support global organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN), which advocate for broader access to reproductive health services, including abortion.
This recent move under Rubio’s leadership represents a sharp pivot from the Biden administration’s policies. It comes on the heels of the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade (1973), leaving decisions on abortion laws to individual states rather than the federal government.
Global Implications
The GCD remains divisive on the international stage, with supporters praising its commitment to family values and critics warning of potential consequences for women’s reproductive health. As the U.S. reaffirms its commitment to the declaration, the global debate on reproductive rights continues to intensify.