The Impact of U.S. Funding Cuts and Media Censorship on Abortion Access
Co-authored by the Network of Journalists in West Africa, Hesperian Health Guides, Le Centre Odas, and Repro Uncensored
U.S. Foreign Aid Freezes and Information Suppression Are Restricting Abortion Access
The suspension of U.S. foreign aid, including funding for abortion services and reproductive health programs, has devastated healthcare systems across Africa. Under the Global Gag Rule (Mexico City Policy) and broader aid freezes, funding for safe abortion access, contraception, and maternal healthcare was cut off, forcing clinics to close and services to shut down.
But it’s not just abortion access that has been impacted—the ability to share information about abortion has also been erased. Several official websites related to USAID, youth programs, and reproductive health were pulled offline after the Trump administration took office. Reproductiverights.gov, one of the first government sites to be removed, contained essential resources on abortion rights and safe access—and was taken down immediately after Trump’s inauguration.
As funding cuts took effect, local journalists and media outlets lost critical support, making it even harder to share factual, life-saving information about abortion, contraception, and reproductive healthcare.
In countries like Benin, Senegal, and Nigeria, where abortion rights are still heavily restricted and stigmatized, the removal of funding and suppression of abortion-related content has left millions in the dark. While Benin's laws on abortion may be more flexible on paper, societal stigma and misinformation continue to prevent safe access to care, highlighting the need for continuous advocacy and accurate reporting on reproductive rights. Without access to accurate abortion information, more people are forced into unsafe procedures, leading to increased maternal deaths and health complications.
Why Journalism Matters More Than Ever for Abortion Rights
Amidst these restrictions, journalists in West Africa are fighting to keep abortion information accessible. The Network of Journalists for the Promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (RJ-DSSR) is working to counter misinformation, educate communities, and provide accurate, evidence-based reporting on abortion access and reproductive health.
Additionally, the new U.S. administration’s cuts restrict comprehensive sex education in schools, worsening the global reproductive health crisis. These policy changes make it even harder to combat misinformation and provide young people and families with the information they need for safe, healthy reproductive choices. Without funding, these efforts will disappear, and abortion will become even harder to access safely.
Support our work with the Network of Journalists in West Africa
We Are Raising Funds to Sustain Reproductive Health Journalism in West Africa
To support these vital efforts, we are raising $30,000 to continue this critical work. Your donation will help us sustain essential reproductive health journalism and advocacy in West Africa. With your donation, we will:
Create and launch the "VOIX D’elles" platform – a dedicated space for investigative articles, expert interviews, testimonies, and video and audio podcasts on reproductive health, including abortion rights.
Fund the production of 15 investigative articles and 15 media reports to ensure accurate and accessible information reaches the public.
Support the creation of 30 community radio programs that will broadcast vital discussions on abortion access, contraception, and reproductive rights in both rural and urban areas.
Train and equip journalists to cover abortion rights and reproductive health issues accurately and effectively.
Organize workshops that bring together media professionals and healthcare providers to improve reporting on abortion laws and reproductive rights.
Access to safe abortion and reproductive health information is being silenced, but with your support, we can keep this critical conversation alive.
We cannot allow political decisions to dictate who has access to safe abortion and reproductive health services. The removal of funding, the shutdown of websites, and the silencing of abortion-related journalism all contribute to a crisis that directly affects women, young people, and marginalized communities.