4 European nations to counter Trump’s anti-abortion measure

Four European nations will host an international meeting in March, aimed at countering President Donald Trump’s order that blocks U.S. funding for charities that provide abortion-related services.

Ms Isabella Lovin, Swedish minister for international development cooperation, said Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden will lead the March 2.

“We shall mobilise political and financial support and show there is a counter force to the troubling trend we see in the United States and other parts of the world,’’ she said.

About 50 countries, as well as representatives of groups that offer information and counselling on abortion and reproductive health, were invited to the conference with the theme “She Decides.’’

One of the goals is to raise funds for organisations affected by a financial shortfall in the wake of the U.S. decision.

The Dutch government has already pledged 10.6 million dollars.

Trump’s executive order bars international non-governmental organisations from receiving U.S. aid if they provide abortion services, including counselling and referrals to abortion providers.

Unsafe abortions are a major cause of maternal mortality and public health advocates around the world have warned that the reversal will have grave consequences.

The order was first announced by president Ronald Reagan in 1984 and has been reversed and reinstated by successive administrations.