Concern over Global Backlash against Gender Equality and Sexual and Health Rights

Press release | Date: 30/01/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Minister of International Development is deeply concerned about the announced tightening of US aid policies negatively affecting women and LGBTQ+ people.

In several parts of the world, attacks on gender equality and women's right to bodily autonomy and to make decisions about their own lives are growing. Last Friday, the US authorities expanded the so-called global gag rule. As it currently stands, the directive prohibits recipients of US development assistance from promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This includes support for safe abortion services, contraception, and education on women's reproductive health. The policy has been introduced and repealed under alternating administrations.

The expansion of this directive means that initiatives funded by other donors will also be affected, as long as the organisation receives financial support from the United States. Previously, the policy targeted organisations with a mandate to promote women's rights. It will now apply to all types of organisations, including humanitarian actors providing lifesavinglifesaving emergency assistance. In addition to abortion and contraception, work addressing gender discrimination and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons will also be sanctioned.

'We are in the midst of one of the most challenging battle of values of our time. When the rights and health assistance provided to women and sexual minorities are weakened, it is the poorest who are hit first and hardest. These are attacks on democracy itself and on the values we have fought to make universal since the UN's establishment. I am deeply concerned,' says Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

Unforeseen consequences

The details and full practical implications of the expanded US restrictions are not yet clear. However, such a comprehensive approach hindering work on women's and LGBTQ+ rights could have severe and damaging effects, particularly on women's health, and in the worst cases lead to more deaths.

'We know that projects addressing sexuality, health, and the right to make decisions about one's own body save lives. They prevent early pregnancies and child marriage. Without access to safe abortion services, more women will die from unsafe procedures or be forced to carry a pregnancy to term at the expense of their own health. Early pregnancies also lead to interrupted schooling and reduced opportunities to shape one's own future. This undermines the fight against poverty, and for gender equality,' Aukrust says.

Vital assistance in humanitarian crises

The number of conflicts has increased sharply, and humanitarian needs are greater than ever. In crises and armed conflict, the risk of sexual and gender-based violence rises. Access to relevant health services for survivors is essential - and often lifesaving. Protection against sexual and gender-based violence, and support for survivors, is a high priority in Norway's humanitarian efforts.

'This clearly illustrates the battle of values we now face, and which I believe Norway must confront. It also demonstrates that Norwegian support means more than the funding we provide. Norway can truly make a difference by maintaining a high level of assistance and ensuring that organisations working to protect women's and LGBTQ+ rights can continue their vital work,' says Aukrust.