the United nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is navigating significant challenges due to budget reductions, with past policies from the United States, particularly during the Donald Trump administration, having a “more destructive” impact on reproductive health services worldwide, according to agency representatives.

Sence the enactment of the Kemp-Kasten Amendment by the US Congress in 1985, Republican administrations have historically decreased funding to the UNFPA. The agency, which specializes in sexual and reproductive health, has voiced its concerns, especially as the Trump administration’s policies further exacerbated the situation.

Reproductive Health Projects Affected

“Projects were suspended by more than $330 million overnight,” stated Natalia Kanem. She added, “So yes, we are suffering.”

As a notable example, in the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, the UNFPA provided critical assistance, described as “heroic,” to approximately 18,000 pregnant women, achieving a remarkable record of zero maternal deaths during childbirth. This level of care is exceptional in crisis situations.

however, due to funding shortfalls, these “birth departments were closed,” and midwives are no longer able to perform their essential work, according to Kanem.

“projects were suspended by more than $330 million overnight,” stated Natalia Kanem. “So yes, we are suffering.”

The UNFPA anticipates that these funding cuts will inevitably lead to an increase in maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies.

Kanem noted that while the system includes other active organizations in the reproductive health sector that could potentially step in, they are also experiencing “the enormous effects of blocking its financing.”

Significant Funding Reductions

The Donald Trump administration implemented substantial cuts to various external aid programs.

Kanem expressed deep concern that the current year is particularly challenging due to a widespread crisis, emphasizing that the United States’ withdrawal of funding from the reproductive health sector is having a destructive impact.

Beyond the financial implications, this American policy raises critical questions about gender equality.

“Of course, there will remain discussions on the words and concepts used, but there should be no discussion on the fact that the rights and options of teenage girls are not bargaining … We must never give up our common values that determine the fate of women and girls in the world between life and death.”

She emphasized that “women deserve support, and teenage girls deserve to complete their studies without ending with pregnant women, nurturing, or marking” by their families.

Millions Unable to Form Desired Families

A recent annual report from the UNFPA, based on a “Yugov” poll of 14,000 individuals across 14 countries (representing over a third of the global population), highlights the struggles of millions worldwide to create the families they desire.

Over 40% of individuals aged 50 and above reported not having the number of children they wanted.

More than half of those surveyed cited economic obstacles as a barrier to having more children.

Additionally, one in five reported feeling pressured to have children, and one in three adults reported experiencing an unintended pregnancy.

With a global population exceeding eight billion and an increasing number of countries falling below the population replacement rate, demographic issues sometimes lead to “extremist” viewpoints, according to Kanem.

“Some believe that the world’s population numbers are high, while others see that women have to have more children.”

She stressed that the most crucial aspect is “the true desires of women, their rights and options,” and public policies should support these choices.