WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 28, 2021—Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, remarked today on the decision by President Joe Biden to rescind the Mexico City policy via presidential memorandum. The action will allow federal funding to be utilized in support of abortions internationally. Moore stated:
“The Mexico City policy is a common-sense matter that protects conscience freedom by preventing American taxpayer dollars from sponsoring abortions overseas. Public funds should be invested in efforts that promote human flourishing, not those that exploit women and do violence to preborn children. Foreign aid is a vital part of American leadership in the world and should be used to protect life, not end it. I urge the administration to reconsider and reverse course on this matter.”
As a part of its 2021 public policy priorities, the ERLC will continue to work to advance a legislative agenda at the federal level that supports the protection and respects the sanctity of human life.
In January 2017, Moore commended the Trump administration for reinstating the Mexico City policy, saying, “The usage of taxpayer money to fund abortions is and always has been morally repugnant.”
President Ronald Reagan first implemented the policy in 1984, and it continued under President George H.W. Bush. President Bill Clinton rescinded the policy on Jan. 22, 1993, the 21st anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
President George W. Bush reinstated the policy Jan. 22, 2001, and President Barack Obama rescinded it again Jan. 23, 2009.
When the policy is in place, abortion providers are not only hindered in their promotion efforts, they are also less likely to be able to operate in foreign countries.
