Donald Trump and Mike Pence campaigned very strongly against abortion access and we are already seeing the influence of their administration with some terrible new bills. Internationally, Trump reinstated a ban for abortion and birth control funding overseas. This “global gag rule” will take away funding from organizations that provide health services to women all over the world.

Thankfully, we have seen donations to Planned Parenthood skyrocket in response and some of the wealthiest people in the world have been fighting back as well. Melinda Gates recently discussed some of the future plans of the Gates Foundation and they include funding birth control to many women all over the world:

In the decade and a half since Bill and I started our foundation, I’ve heard from women all over the world about how important contraceptives are to their ability to take charge of their futures. When women are able to plan their pregnancies around their goals for themselves and their families, they are also better able to finish their education, earn an income, and fully participate in their communities.

The Gates Foundation made a pledge in 2012 to provide birth control to 120 million women worldwide by 2020. This is more necessary than ever before. While the “global gag rule” may make things more challenging for The Gates Foundation, they are determined to help as many women as they can. As Melinda Gates mentions, women who can plan their pregnancies are better able to attain their goals without as many barriers. That is something all people should be supportive of, regardless of their politics.

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