A key HIV/AIDS program that has enjoyed bipartisan support for more than 20 years is highlighting a post-Roe split in the Republican Party.
Eight provisions within the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, that expire Sept. 30 are in jeopardy, entangled in an abortion debate that has some arguing the George W. Bush-crafted program could provide aid to abortion providers abroad.
Prominent anti-abortion groups are lobbying to prevent renewing the law in its current form, arguing that part of the program’s $7 billion annual budget goes to abortion providers. Supporters of the program say it does no such thing, focusing solely on HIV and AIDS.
