FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IWH Commends Return to Health Partnerships That Respect National Sovereignty and Prioritize Authentic Women’s Health
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 23, 2026) The Institute for Women’s Health (IWH) today applauded President Trump’s reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy, recognizing it as a critical step toward foreign policy that prioritizes genuine health partnerships over ideological agendas.
“This action represents exactly how American foreign policy should function: through humanitarian and health partnerships with countries built on mutual respect, not the imposition of ideologies with U.S. dollars,” said Valerie Huber, President and CEO of the Institute for Women’s Health.
The reinstated policy aligns with principles established by the Geneva Consensus Declaration (GCD), a coalition of 40 nations initiated during President Trump’s first term. Over the past four years, IWH has worked to maintain and grow the GCD into a coalition representing 2.4 billion people. The GCD affirms that nations have the sovereign right to implement health policies that reflect their values and cultural contexts, free from external pressure.
“The Mexico City Policy embodies the same respect for national sovereignty that defines the Geneva Consensus Declaration,” Huber continued. “Countries deserve partnerships that support their health priorities, not conditionality that forces harmful foreign values upon them.”
Under the policy, U.S. foreign assistance will focus on providing life-affirming health services, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and supporting evidence-based interventions that improve maternal and child health outcomes worldwide.
IWH operationalizes GCD principles through partnerships in Uganda, Guatemala, and other nations, ensuring that international health cooperation respects cultural values while delivering high impact, low cost solutions.
“This marks a return to foreign policy grounded in respect, partnership, and authentic health outcomes,” Huber concluded. “American generosity should empower nations to address their own health challenges according to their own values, and that’s exactly what this policy achieves. Bravo, for today’s announcement!”
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About The Institute for Women’s Health: Headquartered in Washington, D.C., IWH is the only women’s health policy organization of its kind in the U.S., promoting the highest attainable health and wellbeing for women throughout every stage of life. IWH builds coalitions globally with governments, policymakers, NGOs, and health professionals who share our mission to see women thrive everywhere. Central to expanding thriving and health for women and families worldwide, IWH prioritizes the growth of the Geneva Consensus Declaration as the key activator for creating unstoppable global momentum, uniting nations to defend sovereignty while advancing authentic health for women and families. Through Protego’s practical tools, IWH transforms principles into practical tools to create lasting institutional change.
Media Contact: hedwards@theiwh.org
