U.S. Capitol This Week September 2-6

The White House

The White House shared a Women's Equality Day Proclamation that subtly advances a progressive agenda. The emphasis on defending reproductive freedom, which should be interpreted as supporting abortion rights, isn't merely about celebrating women's achievements but promoting a worldview that challenges traditional family structures and values life from conception.

By highlighting advancements in “defending reproductive freedom,” and replacing “women” with “gender,” the Biden Administration is positioning the US as a “moral leader” in the promotion of so-called gender equality, influencing international norms and encouraging similar policy considerations globally.

U.S. Congress

The US Congress is out for recess which is a slower time for Congress as most Congressmen take their vacations. They will be back next week with debates over the U.S. budget for next year.

State Department

A recently unveiled collaboration of KonsultaMD with PEPFAR and USAID will introduce LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care for the community in the Philippines. KonsultaMD is the first telehealth platform in the country to offer Inclusive Care, with doctors trained specifically on issues related to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), along with gender sensitivity and motivational counseling. While specifics are not many, Beia Latay, CEO of KonsultaMD said that “KonsultaMD is dedicated to breaking down barriers in healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ community.” It aims to provide the LGBTQ+ community with safe, respectful, and knowledgeable healthcare services, including those crucial for sexual health.

This initiative isn't merely about healthcare; it's about shifting societal norms under the guise of health equity. From a sovereignty standpoint, one must question the influence of foreign entities like USAID in shaping domestic health policy. While international aid can be beneficial, it often comes with ideological strings attached, potentially at odds with local culture or national identity. Moreover, focusing on gender sensitivity and motivational counseling might be seen as an attempt to normalize Western liberal ideologies into Filipino society, potentially eroding cultural values. In essence, while KonsultaMD's initiative might be praised for inclusivity, it's crucial to scrutinize how such partnerships might reshape societal values, potentially at the expense of the cultural integrity of the Philippines. Similar initiatives are taking place in India.

Non-Governmental Organizations

In 2023, significant financial activity was observed among NGOs, especially those involved in family planning and abortion advocacy. The economic rationale for prioritizing family planning in humanitarian contexts is clear: it's cost-effective compared to long-term infrastructure development. This approach not only addresses immediate health needs but also facilitates advocacy into broader social issues like LGBTQ rights, which are gaining global traction. The Global Family Planning Partnership has observed increased funding for these causes, sparking debate over whether such priorities genuinely tackle root health issues or merely export Western cultural values. Analysis by Devex highlights an “aid industrial complex” relationship between aid, advocacy, and funding, bringing to question advocacy and broader health outcomes in global humanitarian efforts.