Desperation and uncertainty after Trump’s foreign aid pause: “A terrifying situation for SRHR”
U.S. President Donald Trump is halting all U.S. foreign assistance and attacking sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The lives of millions are at stake. Together with like-minded actors, the Swedish government must lead the way by speaking out on and increasing funding for safe abortion, SRHR and human rights globally.
– We need to be brave, loud, and clear. We must not let fear of Donald Trump intimidate us. We must show that Sweden stands up for gender equality, LGBTQI rights, and abortion rights. We will not compromise these fundamental human rights, says Ingela Holmertz, Secretary-General of RFSU.
A situation worse than expected
During its first week in the White House, the Trump administration began dismantling U.S. foreign aid, a measure entirely in line with the ultraconservative playbook Project 2025, which RFSU has previously reported on. Trump's agenda threatens the lives and health of millions worldwide, especially women and girls.
On his first day in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending all U.S. foreign assistance for three months. A so-called "stop work" memo was issued just days later, meaning that organisations working under existing US grants and contracts received instructions to cease their activity immediately. As a consequence, the distribution of HIV/AIDS medication to over 20.6 million people through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was abruptly halted. Every day that this order remains in effect, as many as 7,000 children under the age of 15 lose access to HIV/AIDS treatment, according to PEPFAR.
In the wake of the order, confusion is widespread among organizations and actors worldwide who rely on U.S. support.
– There is a high level of uncertainty as to what will happen next and how it will affect people. Yesterday, our international federation, IPPF, received a notification to cease all US-funded activity in Africa. We’re in a situation where the things that sounded absurd yesterday are being implemented today. The Trump administration is following through on ideas that no one took seriously a month ago. It's terrifying, says Ingela Holmertz.
Ideologically motivated agenda with dire consequences
It remains unclear what the temporary halt of all U.S. foreign aid will mean—exceptions might still be made. However, experts believe that Trump may genuinely intend to dismantle all development aid that does not align with his agenda, redirecting funds to right-wing Christian organizations and others that adhere to his ideology.
– If this order is fully implemented, it means that thousands of women who are due to give birth this week will not have access to safe deliveries. People who walk miles to receive preventive HIV/AIDS medication will not get their treatment. It will become even harder for women around the world to access safe abortions, which means that many may resort to unsafe methods, thereby risking injury or death, says Ingela Holmertz, Secretary-General of RFSU.
Alongside our international partners, RFSU continues to fight for everyone's right to bodily autonomy and sexual freedom. Human rights defenders at the local and grassroots levels often assume the highest risks while at the same time accomplishing the most significant positive changes.
Intense efforts are underway within RFSU 's international federation, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), to counter the consequences of Trump's policies. But civil society cannot do this alone. The Swedish government, other European governments, and the EU must step up and assume leadership.
– The level of Swedish funding for gender equality, SRHR, and LGBTQI rights globally must be further increased. The Swedish government should take the lead and coordinate with other like-minded actors to fill the urgent funding gap created by U.S. policies," says Ingela Holmertz.
Sweden sent an important signal when the government recently announced a new global strategy for Health and SRHR, with a budget of 4.3 billion SEK over the next five years. This is a critical priority. However, much greater efforts from a range of actors will be needed to counter Trump's catastrophic foreign policy initiatives.