Dutch minister calls for int'l fund after Trump's anti-abortion ban

A Dutch minister called on Tuesday for setting up an international fund for safe abortions and contraceptives after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to ban U.S. funding of abortion in other nations.

Trump's decision has far-reaching consequences, said Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen.

"Banning abortion does not lead to fewer abortions. It leads to more irresponsible practices in back rooms and more maternal deaths," said the minister in a press release.

"Together with other countries and organizations, we have very much succeeded in recent years. The U.S. decision threatens to undermine these results. We must not let this happen," added Ploumen.

The minister said she will take the initiative for an international fund to provide women in developing countries with access to good information, contraception and abortion.

"We need to compensate for this financial blow as much as possible, with a broad-based fund by governments, businesses and civil society organizations, so that women can remain in control of their own bodies," said Ploumen.

Trump on Monday signed a ban on federal money going to international groups that perform or provide information on abortions.