Trump administration rejects UN resolution calling for 'safe' abortion access

The new U.S. delegation under the administration of President Donald Trump has rejected a U.N. resolution on violence against women because it included a clause that called for "safe" abortion access in countries where it is legal.

The resolution, introduced by Canada, addresses violence against women particularly in the context of war, and it calls for access to modern contraception methods to prevent adolescent pregnancy as well as access to "safe abortion where such services are permitted by national law."

It contended that all women should have access to "comprehensive sexual and health-care services" because they are at higher risk of sexual assault and rape in conflict zones.

The U.S. stated that it supports the "spirit" of the resolution to help combat violence against women and girls, but it objected to the claims regarding access to abortion services.

Following the adoption of the resolution, Jason Mack, the U.S. First Secretary to the U.N., read an explanation of the U.S. position expressing support for "the spirit" of the anti-violence measure.

The statement affirmed that the U.S. is in line with the other members of the Human Rights Council "in condemning all acts of violence against women and girls and in calling for the elimination of all forms of sexual and other forms of gender-based violence, including sex trafficking of women and girls."

But the U.S. expressed opposition to some sections of the resolution related to abortion, saying the nation "'must dissociate from the consensus' specifically on access to safe abortions."

"We do not recognize abortion as a method of family planning, nor do we support abortion in our reproductive health assistance," Mack stated, according to Life Site News.

The decision to reject the resolution has been hailed by pro-life groups, such as the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life Global Outreach (MCCL GO).

"MCCL GO fully supports the U.S. decision to oppose abortion as a legitimate 'treatment' for women." said MCCL GO Executive Director Scott Fischbach.

"There is no right to abortion under international law. In fact, a foundational document of the UN, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, explicitly protects the right to life," he added.

According to The Independent, the rejection of the U.N. Human Rights Council resolution was part of Trump's reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy, which prevents U.S. tax dollars from funding and promoting abortion overseas.

In April, the Trump administration withdrew funding from the U.N. Population Fund over its alleged cooperation with China regarding the enforcement of forced abortions in the Communist regime.

In May, the State Department launched a program called Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance to fund non-governmental organizations abroad that comply with the Mexico City Policy.