No Funds for Foreign Abortions Act
No Funds for Foreign Abortions Act would prohibit U.S. foreign aid from being obligated or expended to foreign governments or organizations that subsidize, perform, promote, or otherwise facilitate abortion. It codifies the Mexico City Policy by extending similar restrictions to both governments and non-governmental or multilateral entities, including through indirect funding and intermediaries. The bill creates detailed definitions of abortion, “actively promotes abortion,” and related terms, and imposes a certification, monitoring, and enforcement regime. It includes an exception for abortions resulting from rape or incest, with required documentation. If enacted, the bill would tighten the control of how U.S. funds are used overseas and establish consequences for violations, including potential repayment, ineligibility for future funding, and referrals for civil or criminal enforcement.
Key Points
- 1Prohibits foreign governments from using U.S. funds to support abortion or related activities, including referrals, equipment, coercive incentives, or biomedical research related to abortion or involuntary sterilization.
- 2Prohibits foreign NGOs and multilateral entities from using U.S. funds for abortion-related activities or promotion, including related research or procurement of abortion-related items.
- 3Applies regardless of the source of funding, meaning many activities funded through indirect channels or through intermediaries could be restricted if they enable prohibited abortion activities.
- 4Establishes a rigorous certification and monitoring regime: the State Department must certify compliance before funds are obligated, with annual re-certifications and publicly available reporting; includes audits and suspension of funds pending investigation.
- 5Sets penalties for violations (termination of assistance, repayment of funds, ineligibility for future aid for at least three years, and potential referral to the Attorney General for civil or criminal enforcement) and requires recordkeeping for at least ten years.