Pompeo reduces funding to OAS following its advocacy for abortion

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Tuesday (local time) announced that he is cutting off funding to the Organisation of American States (OAS) after it advocated for abortion.

"The institutions of the OAS should be focused on addressing crises in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, not advancing the pro-abortion cause," the Washington Post quoted Pompeo as saying.

"The American people should rest assured that this administration and this State Department and our USAID will do all we can to safeguard taxpayer dollars and protect and respect the sanctity of life around the globe," he added.

Pompeo has reduced the funding to OAS by $210,000. Reportedly, nine senators sent him a letter pointing out that two OAS organs- the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission of Women- are campaigning for legalised abortions across America.

Taking cognisance, Pompeo ordered complete enforcement of a 1981 law, that prohibits the use of US funds to lobby against or for abortion.

The Trump administration has restored and expanded the 'Mexico City Policy', a former President Ronald Reagan-era policy which prohibited the US fundings for organisations that provide, advocate and even mention legal and safe abortions.