Jane Onyanga-Omara

USA TODAY

Nations and organizations pledged almost $200 million for women's sexual and reproductive health care Thursday in response to a shortage in finances caused by President Trump’s ban on funding groups that provide information about abortions.

Trump's move, known as the "global gag rule" by pro-abortion groups, is expected to cause a $600 million shortfall over the next four years.

Representatives for more than 45 governments attended "She Decides," an international conference that was hastily organized in Brussels by Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden to fill the gap.

The organizers said that total pledges from countries and organizations reached 181 million euros, or $190 million, with Sweden and Finland pledging around $21 million each.

8 countries join fight to counter Trump's anti-abortion move

The "global gag rule" was first adopted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Since then, Democratic presidents have repealed it soon after taking office while Republicans have reinstated it. Trump signed an executive order Jan. 23 prohibiting U.S. aid from supporting international groups that promote abortion.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, the conference’s host, said women and girls could be pushed “into the dark Ages,” by the “purely ideological decision of one country,” the Associated Press reported.

“We will start with making something great again. To be clear, any abortion that takes place is one too many But if it has to take place then I think it should be available and it should be available in a safe way," he said.

Lilianne Ploumen, the Netherlands' minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, said she was "deeply moved by the support."

"It is a very powerful signal to the rest of the world that the fundamental right of women and girls to decide over their own lives must be respected," she said.