Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), who has consistently voted to protect women abroad from sexual abuse and violence, signed on as an original cosponsor of H.R. 2738, the Global Democracy Promotion Act.

Currently, non-governmental international healthcare organizations that receive funding from the United States government are prohibited from offering fact-based information on family planning and reproductive health. Following President Obama’s repeal of this “Global Gag Rule,” this bill would permanently remove this law. Government policies should not bar healthcare providers working in developing nations from doing their job, which may include family planning services to reduce unwanted pregnancies. It is important that NGOs funded by the United States are able to provide up-to-date, thorough, and fact-based information. Just as women's reproductive rights are constitutionally-protected in the United States for all women, they must also be available and accessible to women abroad.

To read more about H.R. 2738, click here.