"Political Turmoil Jeopardizes Vital HIV Program"

A small group of conservative House Republicans is blocking the reauthorization of the federally funded President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provides HIV prevention, treatment, and education worldwide. They claim that the Biden administration is using the program to promote abortion overseas, despite no evidence supporting this. PEPFAR has been highly successful due to bipartisan support, adequate funding, and a data-driven approach. It has even utilized its infrastructure to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The opposition stems from partisan differences on abortion, with the repeal of the Mexico City Protocol being a key point of contention. While PEPFAR is established in permanent law, the expiration of certain requirements and specifications in its reauthorization raises concerns about the program's future and sends a symbolic message to partner countries.