Barack Obama lifts the Global Gag Rule
On January 23, 2009, U.S President Barack Obama lifted restrictions on U.S government funding for groups that provide abortion service or counseling abroad, reversing the Global Gag Rule. This policy restricted the allocation of any funds to groups that advocated or lobbied for the lifting of abortion restrictions. This resulted in major funding restrictions for organizations providing family-planning services and primary care. Because of this, many women were deprived of critical sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception.
Additional Reading
Globe and Mail: Obama lifts ban on abortion funding abroad
(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090123.wabortion0123/BNStory/International)