Since his inauguration on 20 January, President Donald Trump has enacted several changes to health policy in the US, focusing on withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), implementing antiabortion measures, and initiating a freeze on federal grant funding. These measures could have far-reaching implications for many aspects of the healthcare system.
On 20 January President Trump signed Executive Order 14155, directing the US to withdraw from WHO. This decision marks the second attempt by the US to exit WHO, following a similar move in 2020 that was later reversed by the subsequent administration. The executive order criticises WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and alleges political interference by member states. It mandates the cessation of US funding and support to WHO, the recall of US government personnel working with the organization, and a review of alternative partners for global health initiatives. The withdrawal has prompted concerns from global health experts about potential disruptions in international health collaboration and the management of global health crises.
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The US exit from WHO is perplexing and will not only leave a gap in WHO funding and health leadership, but will impact Americans’ health and safety, too. WHO funds a number of programmes to treat and prevent many diseases in many countries, the US included.
Exiting WHO is not the only change to healthcare Trump has made in recent days. On 24 January, he issued an executive order titled ‘Enforcing the Hyde Amendment,’ which reinforces the prohibition of federal funding for elective abortions. This order revokes previous directives from the Biden administration that had expanded access to reproductive healthcare services, including abortion. By reinstating the Hyde Amendment’s restrictions, the order directs federal agencies to ensure compliance, effectively reducing federal support for abortion services. This move has significant implications for Medicaid, as it limits the use of federal funds for abortion services, potentially affecting low-income individuals who rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage.
As a result of policies such as this, many states could see an increased demand for contraceptive devices to reduce the likelihood of unwanted pregnancies. According to leading data and analytics company GlobalData, the volume of reversible contraceptive devices is expected to increase at a 2.53% compound annual growth rate in the US from 2023-33. Reversible contraceptive devices in this case refer to diaphragms, hormonal implants, and intrauterine devices. Similarly, the US Office of Management and Budget issued a memorandum ordering a freeze on federal grants and financial assistance programmes. This freeze has created uncertainty among organisations that depend on federal funding, including those providing healthcare services through Medicaid. A federal judge in the District of Columbia has temporarily blocked the order to freeze funding, but the order had already disrupted Medicaid for many. Medicaid reimbursement portals were down across the country, and if the freeze is reinstated, it could lead to reduced resources for programmes that support low-income populations, potentially compromising the quality and availability of care provided through Medicaid.
President Trump’s recent actions represent a significant shift in US healthcare policy, emphasising a departure from international health collaboration, reinforcing antiabortion measures, and re-evaluating funding priorities. These changes are likely to have substantial effects on healthcare in the US.
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