 This sent out a strong message that “the U.S. will resume its leadership in promoting and protecting women’s reproductive health and rights worldwide” UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said. Congressionally-approved funding for UNFPA has been withheld by the U.S. administration for the past seven years with the Fund not having received a total of $244 million in U.S. funding. The United States, which was integral to forming UNFPA in 1969, is the only country in the world that has ever refused to fund the agency for reasons that are political rather than financial. On 27 January 2009 UNFPA staff sent out a moving letter conveying “heartfelt thanks” to the many supporters of the Fund during this difficult seven year period. Thanks to this generous support from around the world, the feared cuts in programming and services never materialized. On the contrary, UNFPA was able to expand its operations around the world.
In addition, a day after the U.S. marked the 36th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision (22 January), President Barak Obama rescinded the controversial global gag and recommitted U.S. support for comprehensive international family planning. The global gag rule — also known as the Mexico City policy where it was unveiled in 1984 during a U.N. conference —denies federal funding to international family planning organizations that with their own funds provide abortion services and information. Obama said in a written statement that during the past two terms of former President George W. Bush, the policy has "undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning in developing countries. For these reasons, it is right for us to rescind this policy and restore critical efforts to protect and empower women and promote global economic development." Originally a Reagan-era incarnation, the gag rule was repealed by President Bill Clinton and then reinstated by President George W. Bush on the first day of his administration in 2001.
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