Labor has slammed US President Donald Trump's decision to reinstate the anti-abortion global gag rule, calling on the Turnbull government to lobby the new administration to ditch the "dangerous and damaging" policy.

In one of his first official acts as president Mr Trump – surrounded by eight male staffers – signed an executive order to reinstate the policy that blocks US funding to foreign organisations that perform or give advice on abortions.

The decision has been widely condemned by women's groups and NGOs – and now the federal opposition has joined them.

In a rare intervention into US policy from a senior Australian politician, deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek said her party is "deeply concerned" about the move "that could cost the lives of women in developing countries".