Houlahan Marks Women’s History Month by Reintroducing Support UNFPA Funding Act

At a critical time in U.S. foreign policy, bill protects a lifeline for reproductive care 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the final days of Women’s History Month, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) introduced her Support UNFPA Funding Act. This legislation was originally introduced in 2019 in response to a Trump Administration decision to withdraw all U.S. funds for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the lead UN reproductive health agency. The Support UNFPA Funding Act aims to restore U.S. funding and support for this vital agency that provides access to sexual and reproductive health services to women in over 150 countries across the world. UNFPA provides lifesaving care and medical supplies to women and girls in some of the most complex humanitarian settings and works to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. With the Trump Administration slashing U.S. foreign aid and attacking global organizations that make America safer, stronger and more prosperous, this legislation is more important than ever. 

“The UNFPA’s essential and lifesaving work has been hit hard by the chaos of the Trump Administration’s foreign aid freeze. Several of UNFPA’s programs with U.S. support have been subject to a confusing mix of funding suspensions, stop work orders, humanitarian waivers and agreement terminations. This whiplash has caused unnecessary death and suffering for pregnant mothers and their newborns,” Houlahan said. “As a third-generation veteran, I know that our national security starts with the health of women and girls and their families. When women and girls are healthy, have access to education, and have good opportunities, it leads to a more peaceful world. Our first line of defense is taking care of people, and I am extremely disappointed to see the Trump Administration abandoning our commitments to communities across the globe.” 

More than 50 years ago, UNFPA was founded with bipartisan support from the United States. The U.S. still sits on UNFPA’s governing Executive Board, providing constant oversight and guidance. Earlier this year, the U.S. and other UNFPA supporters reviewed the UNFPA for its financial stewardship, relevance, and effectiveness and determined UNFPA’s mandate is more relevant than ever. In a survey, thousands of Americans from all 50 states – including many from Pennsylvania – have expressed their support for restoring U.S. funding for UNFPA.  

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care, no matter who they are or where they live. Full stop. Yet ever since President Trump took office, he and his administration have attacked foreign aid programs, including funding for UNFPA, endangering the health and safety of millions of people across the globe,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “We thank Rep. Houlahan for reintroducing this legislation to support UNFPA and its critical work on reproductive and maternal health care around the world.” 

"Thousands of Americans across all 50 states, including Pennsylvania, where Rep. Houlahan serves, have voiced their support for UNFPA’s lifesaving work,” said Anu Surendran, CEO of USA for UNFPA. “Their voices reflect our values, compassion, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that millions of women and girls receive the care they need and deserve."  

Rep. Houlahan’s Support UNFPA Funding Act is endorsed by two dozen organizations. You can see the full list of endorsing organizations, as well as supporting quotes, here. 


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Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is serving her fourth consecutive term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. Houlahan is the first female veteran named as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee and is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.