Dear Friends,

As you’ve likely heard, U.S. foreign aid is currently suspended for 90 days. While there are some partial exemptions, most of UNFPA’s lifesaving programs remain under a stop work order.

During this period of suspension, federal officials are reviewing foreign aid programs to see which ones Americans care about. This is a critical moment for us and our lifesaving care for women and girls around the world.

Please consider adding your name today in support of lifesaving programs for pregnant women, new mothers, newborns, and women and girls around the world. Some government officials say they “never” hear from Americans who care about humanitarian aid, and if we can show support from all 50 states, that will give us our best chance of unfreezing aid for women and girls in humanitarian emergencies. This will be sent to staff in the new administration showing that you, and so many others care.

The immediate impacts of the current foreign aid freeze cannot be overstated:

• In Gaza, UNFPA’s mobile health clinics will be forced to stop operations. For 50,000 pregnant women already struggling to access maternal care, this could be a death sentence.
• In Ukraine, 400,000 women and girls will be cut off from psychosocial support, domestic violence response services, safe spaces for survivors, and economic empowerment programs.
• In Afghanistan, 1,712 female service providers will be laid off, leaving over 9 million women and children without anywhere to turn to for care. 

And these immediate harms will compound the longer the foreign aid funding freeze lasts or if the Trump Administration decides to defund UNFPA for the duration of his term.

Research shows that every $1 invested in women’s health and family planning returns $8 in economic benefits. Additionally, girls are able to stay in school, domestic violence decreases, women have healthier pregnancies, families are stronger, and communities thrive.

As the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, we envision a world where no woman dies when giving birth. Where women and girls can speak freely, pursue their dreams, and are safe from violence. Where women can decide if and when to have children.

And here’s the truth: This world is also a world where America is safer, stronger, and more secure.

But right now, our lifesaving programs are under review with most of our U.S. government funding frozen. The current Administration isn’t sure whether Americans care about global sexual and reproductive health. That’s why we are asking: Will you add your name to stand with women and girls surviving in crisis regions like Ukraine, Haiti, Gaza, Sudan, and around the world?

Decisions about foreign aid will be made soon, so the timing couldn’t be more urgent. We want to show the federal government that thousands of Americans care. Will you be one of them?

Thank you, 
- USA for UNFPA