President Donald Trump has reinstated the Mexico City Policy, commonly known as the “global gag rule,” sparking concerns about significant ripple effects on global health services, particularly in developing countries.

The policy prohibits U.S. funding for international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that perform, promote, or provide information about abortions, even with non-U.S. funds. The reinstatement marks a continuation of Trump’s expansion of the rule, first introduced in the 1980s and traditionally toggled depending on the political party of the sitting U.S. president.

Broader Scope and Consequences

Trump’s version of the policy goes beyond its original scope, applying the funding ban to all U.S. global health assistance programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal and child health. This has raised alarm among NGOs and health experts about a potential “chilling effect” on sexual and reproductive health services.

Michael Jennings, a professor of global development at SOAS University of London, warned that organizations adhering to the rule may scale back services out of caution, leading to a “cascading” impact on healthcare delivery.

Impact on Global Health Funding

As the largest funder of global health programs, the U.S. plays a pivotal role in shaping international health initiatives. In 2022 alone, the U.S. allocated €15.1 billion to global health programs, dwarfing contributions from Germany, Japan, and the U.K. Combined, these three nations contributed less than €10 billion.

The policy’s reinstatement is expected to create funding shortfalls, particularly in reproductive health and family planning programs. NGOs like MSI Reproductive Choices, which refused to comply with the gag rule, anticipate losing millions in U.S. funding. MSI, which provides 20% of Zimbabwe’s contraception services, has already signaled potential service cuts in five African countries.

Human and Health Costs

Health experts warn of dire consequences. Studies indicate that previous implementations of the gag rule led to reduced contraceptive use, increased unintended pregnancies, and higher abortion rates. A recent review estimates that the 2017–2021 enforcement resulted in 108,000 additional maternal and child deaths and 360,000 new HIV infections across 30 countries.

Frances Longley, head of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), emphasized the interconnected nature of services provided by affected clinics, including contraception, prenatal care, and HIV treatment. “Doctors will face preventable crises they cannot address due to punitive restrictions,” she said.

European Response

European governments and donors may face heightened pressure to mitigate the funding gap. In 2017, EU countries raised €460 million to offset the policy’s effects. However, current financial strains, including the war in Ukraine and NATO obligations, may limit Europe’s ability to respond similarly.

“While some donors, including Japan and South Korea, may step up, the shortfall is unlikely to be fully addressed,” said Jennings.

The reinstated policy not only reshapes global health funding but also challenges international cooperation in addressing critical healthcare needs.

A new study suggests that consuming large quantities of processed red meat may accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia, raising concerns about its long-term effects on brain health.

Key Findings

The research, conducted by scientists from Mass General Brigham, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), analyzed data from thousands of patients collected between 1980 and 2018.

The study found that each average serving of processed red meat, roughly 85 grams, was associated with cognitive aging equivalent to 1.6 additional years. Additionally, replacing one daily serving of processed meat with nuts or legumes was linked to a 19% lower risk of dementia and a 21% reduction in self-reported cognitive decline.

These findings were published in the journal Neurology.

Diet and Cognitive Health

While dietary guidelines often emphasize reducing the risks of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, the connection between diet and brain health receives less attention. Daniel Wang, an assistant professor of nutrition at Harvard and the study’s corresponding author, called for greater focus on this link.

“We hope our results encourage greater consideration of the connection between diet and brain health,” Wang said.

Cautions and Limitations

Despite its robust methodology, the study remains observational, meaning it cannot definitively establish causation. Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at The Open University in the UK, noted that observational studies cannot entirely rule out other factors influencing the results.

“The estimates do not tell us directly what would happen if people actually changed their diets to eat less processed red meat and more poultry or nuts,” McConway explained. He added that while the findings align with existing dietary recommendations, further research is needed to confirm the effects of dietary changes on cognitive health.

Current Recommendations

The study supports existing guidelines that advise reducing red meat consumption for both health and environmental reasons. For example, the non-profit EAT, in collaboration with The Lancet, recommends limiting red meat intake to no more than 98 grams per week.

The links between red meat consumption and other health risks, such as bowel cancer and cardiovascular disease, are well-documented. However, this study highlights the potential impact of diet on cognitive health as an additional reason to moderate red meat intake.

Looking Ahead

Wang and his team emphasized the need for continued research to understand the mechanisms driving dementia and cognitive decline.

“We are continuing to piece together this story,” Wang said, underlining the importance of uncovering how dietary factors influence brain health.

As the global population ages, understanding the relationship between diet and cognitive health will remain a critical area of study.