American Values Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
- Committees
- Foreign Relations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 30, 2025
Bottom line
The bill permanently enshrines long-standing restrictions on the use of federal funds for abortion and involuntary sterilization in U.S. foreign aid and Peace Corps programs, reflecting a conservative stance on reproductive health policy.
What it actually does
This bill seeks to permanently codify existing annual appropriations riders that restrict the use of U.S. foreign assistance and Peace Corps funds for abortions, involuntary sterilizations, related biomedical research, and lobbying activities. By amending the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Peace Corps Act, it aims to make these prohibitions a permanent part of statutory law, removing the need for their annual renewal through the appropriations process.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill ensures consistency and predictability in U.S. foreign policy by permanently codifying restrictions that align with American values, preventing annual legislative battles over these provisions and ensuring taxpayer money is not used for activities they oppose.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that these restrictions limit access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare for vulnerable populations abroad, undermine international health initiatives, and impose U.S. domestic policy debates on other sovereign nations, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes and increased maternal mortality.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Permanent Prohibition on Foreign Assistance Funds for Abortions and Involuntary Sterilizations
This provision amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permanently prohibit the use of funds for performing abortions as a method of family planning, coercing individuals into abortions or involuntary sterilizations, funding related biomedical research, lobbying for or against abortion, or supporting organizations involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization programs. These restrictions have historically been included in annual appropriations acts.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures U.S. taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions or coercive practices abroad, aligning foreign policy with moral objections held by a significant portion of the American public. They contend it prevents the U.S. from inadvertently supporting practices deemed unethical.
Critics contend
Critics argue that these restrictions, often referred to as the "Global Gag Rule" or Mexico City Policy when applied more broadly, undermine comprehensive reproductive healthcare, leading to increased unsafe abortions and maternal mortality. They contend it limits the ability of aid organizations to provide full-spectrum care and can disproportionately harm women and girls in developing countries.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to align U.S. foreign aid with certain moral viewpoints on abortion against concerns about limiting access to reproductive health services and potentially worsening health outcomes in recipient countries.
Section 2(b)
Permanent Prohibition on Peace Corps Funds for Abortions
This provision amends the Peace Corps Act to permanently prohibit the use of funds authorized or made available to carry out the Act for paying for abortions. It explicitly references section 614 of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2014, which contains similar restrictions.