Grothman & Subcommittee Republicans Urge Biden Administration to Rejoin Geneva Consensus Declaration

Biden Administration removed U.S. from the accord which promotes women’s health and strengthening the family

WASHINGTON— Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs Chairman Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) and several Subcommittee Republican members are expressing support for the U.S. to rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women’s Health and Strengthening the Family. In a letter to U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken, the lawmakers are requesting the U.S. rejoin this declaration and for the Department of State to suspend its practice of recommending other countries remove themselves from the Geneva Consensus Declaration.

“We are concerned by President Biden’s decision to remove the United States from this accord that protects fundamental human rights and promotes the well-being of the unborn. Supporting the Geneva Consensus Declaration aligns with the U.S. commitment to safeguard the rights of individuals, foster family values, and promote stewardship of foreign assistance,” wrote the lawmakers. “We ask that the Department of State cease undermining the accord and begin to take the necessary steps to endorse the Geneva Consensus Declaration once again.”

The Geneva Consensus Declaration was signed on October 22, 2020, by a coalition of countries affirming their dedication to the protection of the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society. The declaration emphasizes the importance of equality under the law for women, upholding the right to life, and affirms there is no international right to abortion. In a recent Universal Periodic Review of Burkina Faso on November 6, 2023, the Biden Administration’s U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva recommended Burkina Faso withdraw from the Geneva Consensus Declaration. The Biden Administration previously recommended that the Republic of Benin remove itself from the Geneva Consensus Declaration.

“The Subcommittee finds the Biden Administration’s withdrawal and continuous opposition to this accord appalling, and several of us have co-sponsored legislation urging the United States to rejoin this historic declaration,” continued the lawmakers. “We believe that such support will further solidify the United States’ dedication to the principles outlined in the declaration and will demonstrate our commitment to collaborating with the international community in promoting the well-being of individuals and families worldwide.”

Read the letter to Secretary Blinken here.