Gag rule refers to any instructions, order, or laws prohibiting someone from discussing or advocating something. It is any rule restricting open discussion or debate concerning a given issue, such as a deliberative body or other contexts, such as labor relations. In an effort to stem union-related activities, presidential executive orders in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s prohibited federal employees from lobbying Congress for wage increases and improved working conditions.
Global gag rule is a term for restrictions on health care organizations that prohibit U.S. assistance for family planning from being provided to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that use funding from any other source to perform abortion in cases other than a threat to the life of the woman, rape, or incest; to provide counseling and referral for abortion; or to lobby to make abortion legal or more available in their own country.
