The effect of the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy in South Africa: Possible implications for local HIV/AIDS non-governmental organisations

Abstract

The USA’s Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy (PLGHA) became effective in 2017, prohibiting foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from receiving US federal funding if they engage in termination of pregnancy (TOP) and/or TOP-related services, including counselling, referrals or lobbying, except under limited circumstances. Globally, the majority of federal funding supports HIV/AIDS programmes, which are relied upon by a significant proportion of South Africans for treatment and care. Although HIV/AIDS NGOs do not provide TOP, some of their programmes may involve TOP-related services and activities prohibited by PLGHA, which could result in the complete defunding of these organisations. This article provides examples of how HIV/AIDS NGOs could violate the PLGHA through specific programme activities, and provides recommendations on how to prevent such violations.