The The Hitman: Blood Smells Like RosesDutch government is setting up an international safe abortion fund just days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to cut U.S. foreign aid.
On Monday, Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy -- known as the global gag rule -- which prevents non-governmental organisations working abroad from receiving federal funding for family planning if they perform abortions or even talk to their clients about abortion.
SEE ALSO: J.K. Rowling fights back as Donald Trump reinstates anti-abortion policyUp to 20 countries and several foundations have already said they would support the Netherlands in setting up an international abortion fund to plug a $600 million funding gap caused by the reinstatement of the global gag rule, according to Lilianne Ploumen, Dutch minister of foreign trade and development cooperation.
She said Wednesday that the Netherlands would do everything in its power to help women "remain in control of their own bodies."
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"As well as contacting a number of European countries that we work with on these issues, we’re also in touch with countries in South America and Africa, as well as the foundations. It’s important to have the broadest possible support for the fund," Ploumen told the Guardian.
"These are successful and effective programmes: direct support, distributing condoms, making sure women are accompanied at the birth, and making sure abortion is safe if they have no other choice," Ploumen continued.
Ploumen hopes to start arranging the funding within the next two to three weeks. Other governments, businesses and charities will be able to donate to the fund.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 30: Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen signs the Act of Abdication of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in the Moseszaal at the Royal Palace on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is abdicating the throne after a 33 year reign and hands the throne to her son Prince Willem-Alexander who will be sworn in later at the Nieuwe Kerk ahead of a joint session of parliament. (Photo by Michel Porro - Pool/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images The move appears to pit the Netherlands government against Trump's administration, but Ploumen told the Guardian the country had the right to take an independent stance.
"I’m pro-choice and pro-women’s rights. It’s important to stand your ground," she said. "We respect the decisions of a democratically elected president, but we’re democratically elected too and we can make different decisions."
"This is also about millions of women and girls who often have no voice or live in countries where democracy is less deeply rooted," she continued, "and when they speak up they need our support."
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