New Senate Bill Would Allow U.S. Abortion Funding Abroad—Here’s Why It Matters
ForbesNov 18, 2022
The Facts
On Thurs., a group of Senate Democrats introduced a bill to permit US funding for abortion overseas.
The legislation - led by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and nearly two dozen co-sponsors - would amend the Foreign Assistance Act and repeal the 1973 Helm Amendment, which banned all US international assistance funds from being used for abortion care.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Although this bill is unlikely to pass, it's part of a broader effort to fight for abortion rights both domestically and internationally. It also provides an opportunity to place Republicans on record before the November elections, and reaffirm Democrats as the undeniable party for protecting a woman's right to choose.
Republican narrative
This is a continued attempt by Democrats to defy the decision-making of the judiciary ever since the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Despite their recurring failure, their machinations - including even bringing foreign aid into the debate - will inevitably continue.