
The United States has rejoined the Geneva Consensus Declaration, reinforcing its pro-life stance on the global stage under the Trump administration.
At a Glance
- U.S. rejoins coalition of 40 countries opposing international right to abortion
- Declaration affirms inherent right to life and national sovereignty over pro-life laws
- Move reverses Biden administration’s withdrawal in January 2021
- Aims to support pro-life laws globally and resist pro-abortion advocacy
- Promotes holistic strategies for women’s health without promoting abortion
Reaffirming Pro-Life Commitment
In a significant policy shift, the United States has once again aligned itself with the Geneva Consensus Declaration (GCD), a coalition of 40 nations united in their opposition to establishing abortion as an international human right. This move, under President Donald Trump’s administration, marks a clear departure from the previous stance and reaffirms America’s commitment to pro-life values on the world stage.
The Declaration, which the U.S. helped found but briefly left under the Biden administration, emphasizes the inherent right to life for every human being and underscores the importance of national sovereignty in establishing pro-life laws and policies. By rejoining, the United States signals its intent to support pro-life initiatives globally and resist pressure from pro-abortion advocacy groups.
Prioritizing Women’s Health
Central to the Geneva Consensus Declaration is a commitment to holistic approaches for improving women’s health, education, and economic circumstances. This strategy focuses on comprehensive maternal care and development initiatives without promoting or funding abortion services. The move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader policy goals, including the reinstatement of an expanded version of the Mexico City Policy, which restricts federal funding to international NGOs that perform or promote abortion.
“Returning the U.S. to the coalition carries significant legal weight in that it prevents the emergence of a false ‘human right’ to abortion by customary international law,” Elyssa Koren, International Human Rights Lawyer, ADF International said.
Valerie Huber, a key figure in the Declaration’s creation, praised the decision as a commitment to improving women’s health while affirming national sovereignty. The move is seen as giving developing nations a stronger voice against what some view as coercive global tactics in reproductive health policy.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
Rejoining the Geneva Consensus Declaration is viewed as a significant legal maneuver to prevent the establishment of abortion as a customary international law. This stance aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to support pro-life initiatives both domestically and internationally.
The United States Mission to the United Nations has emphasized the country’s commitment to promoting women’s health and preserving family values supported by the international coalition and its member states through national policies and legislation. This approach aims to invest in women’s health and well-being while protecting the family as the fundamental unit of society.