WASHINGTON, Oct 7 (LSN) – Rep. Steve Largent’s motion to instruct House conferees to maintain the so-called “Mexico City” policy in HR 2159 1998 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, was approved by the House. The Mexico City policy, was created by former President Ronald Reagan and prohibited U.S. population assistance to foreign organizations that perform abortions in foreign countries, violate the abortion laws of foreign countries, or lobby for changes in such laws. Earlier President Clinton did away with the Mexico City Policy.
The prohibition still allows exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is endangered. However, it would end American taxpayer support for such groups as Planned Parenthood International which performs abortions as part of its population control efforts in foreign countries.