WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Jeanne Shaheen, along with 15 of their Senate colleagues introduced the Support UNFPA Funding Act to resume U.S. contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN agency that provides access to family planning, supports the prevention of maternal death, and responds to gender-based violence.
“The Trump admin’s reckless decision to cut funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) jeopardized life-saving care for women around the world,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bill reaffirms the United States’ commitment to providing support that helps global communities become safer, stronger, and more secure—and in turn, helps keep Americans safe.”
“U.S. investment in UNFPA saves lives, advances women’s rights and directly supports global stability and security,” said Shaheen. “When the United States abruptly halted funding, clinics closed, women lost access to basic health care and preventable maternal deaths increased, particularly in conflict zones and humanitarian emergencies. This bill restores a common-sense, bipartisan approach: supporting voluntary, rights-based family planning and maternal health while ensuring full compliance with U.S. law. Undermining proven programs like UNFPA weakens our global leadership and creates unnecessary instability that ultimately affects Americans too.”
This year, the Trump administration halted U.S. funding for UNFPA, forcing the closure of health centers, cutting off lifesaving maternal and reproductive health care, and leaving millions of women and girls in danger. UNFPA operates in more than 150 countries and is the only U.N. agency mandated to provide reproductive and maternal health care in humanitarian crises. UNFPA ensures women and families can access voluntary family planning, safe childbirth services and protection from gender-based violence.
Specifically, the Support UNFPA Funding Act would recognize the important work of UNFPA; establish as U.S. policy that financial support for UNFPA aligns with U.S. interest; and send $74 million to UNFPA’s core programs over the next two years.
“Everyone deserves access to quality health care, no matter who they are or where they live,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Full stop. Yet ever since President Trump took office, he and his administration have attacked foreign aid programs, including funding for UNFPA, endangering the health and safety of millions of people across the globe. We thank Sen. Shaheen for introducing this legislation to support UNFPA and its critical work on reproductive and maternal health care around the world.”
“The Support UNFPA Funding Act is a vital step to restoring US funding for a UN agency that provides lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services to millions worldwide,” said Kelly Baden, Vice President for Public Policy, Guttmacher Institute. “UNFPA’s work prevents maternal deaths, expands access to contraception, and combats gender-based violence, including child marriage and female genital mutilation. In humanitarian crises, UNFPA’s work is particularly essential to ensure women and families receive critical health care and supplies. The Trump Administration’s defunding of UNFPA and almost all family planning aid endangers lives, particularly those of women and girls. Congress must counter these devastating moves by strengthening support for UNFPA. We thank Senator Shaheen for her leadership in championing this critical legislation.”
“Thousands of Americans across all 50 states, including New Hampshire, where Sen. Shaheen serves, have voiced their support for UNFPA’s lifesaving work,” said Anu Surendran, CEO, USA for UNFPA. “Their voices reflect our values, compassion, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that millions of women and girls receive the care they need and deserve.”
Full text of this bill is available HERE.
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