Built to Endure
Why MSI’s Model Thrives Even in Hostile Political Environments
Politicians have always weaponized reproductive healthcare. But, the intensity, coordination, and global reach of today’s attacks have changed. Until recently, the Republican’s Global Gag Rule only applied to international non-governmental organizations. Then, in January 2026, the Trump administration expanded it to restrict all non-military foreign assistance.
More than $30 billion in aid is now contingent on governments, the UN, and other organizations certifying that they do not provide or promote abortion, do not promote “gender ideology”, do not promote what the administration considers “discriminatory” equity ideology and unlawful diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
We don’t yet know the exact implications of this policy. However, conditioning U.S. assistance on whether governments allow, support or even discuss abortion within their own health systems threatens to destabilize entire national reproductive healthcare infrastructures. Government and charitable organizations that rely on U.S. foreign assistance may feel compelled to implement these policies. MSI Reproductive Choices will not.
Five decades of defending choice
For more than five decades, MSI has operated in complex, often hostile environments. These challenges have not stopped us from providing the reproductive healthcare that women want and need to take control of their bodies and futures.
Our strength comes not from any single funding source or political moment. It comes from 9,000 resolute team members committed to ending unsafe abortion and making contraception available to everyone who wants it. Our resilient, multi-channel business model strengthens us further. With a diversified funding base, we can ensure care continues no matter the headwinds.
Just like our approach to meeting the needs of the diverse communities we serve, MSI approaches our fundraising from multiple angles for greater stability. MSI does not rely on one donor, one government, or one type of funding. Instead, we’ve deliberately built a model that draws strength from multiple, reinforcing sources:
- Government funding (where available) for multi-year commitments directed toward building sustainability
- Committed foundation partners who value durability, scale, and evidence
- MSI sells affordable health products and services, reinvesting profits back into local services
- A growing base of individual donors who invest in long-term impact, not short-term wins
This diversification is not accidental. It allows MSI to absorb political shocks without breaking, adapt faster than other models, and continue delivering care even when one funding stream is disrupted.
Governments help MSI reach millions sustainably at scale
The funding we receive from other government donors supports large, multi-year health projects. Larger and less flexible than other funding, government grants are instrumental in our efforts to build and strengthen systems for greater sustainability. Government funds help us integrate abortion and family planning into broader health systems. They also allow us to train providers, and plan into the future.
Foundations provide flexibility and rapid response
Support from private foundations is vital to MSI’s work. They fund the innovation and pilot programs that push women’s reproductive health forward. By providing funding that’s more flexible, foundations make it possible for MSI to respond rapidly in times of crisis. Our foundation partners also bridge gaps when government funding is withdrawn.
Our social business model creates resilience where others face fragility
In many countries, MSI operates a social business, providing high-quality reproductive products and services at prices people can afford. This revenue contributes to local outreach efforts, allows us to use donor funds to reach more people, and keeps clinics open when donor funding is delayed or withdrawn.
Our social business gives MSI a powerful advantage in difficult environments. We can stay when others must leave, maintaining continuity of care for millions of women and girls.
Individual donors are critical to our long-term strength
While governments and foundations play an essential role, individual donors provide flexibility, independence, and momentum, especially in moments of political backlash.
Individual giving allows MSI to:
- Bridge gaps created by sudden funding cuts
- Invest in innovation and rapid response
- Strengthen the infrastructure that makes long-term impact possible
As our individual donor base grows, so does MSI’s ability to act decisively and confidently.
Strength built over decades, proven under pressure
MSI has weathered funding freezes, legal restrictions, regime changes, and coordinated extremist opposition. We have adapted, grown, and continued to provide care because our model is designed for reality, not ideal conditions.
Access to reproductive healthcare does not disappear where MSI operates; it endures.
That endurance is the result of deliberate choices. We prioritize diversification over dependence, infrastructure over short-term fixes, and a belief that care should persist regardless of politics.
Why this matters now
In moments like this, strength and stability matter even more. MSI Reproductive Choices is the leading provider of contraception and safe abortion in most of the countries where we work. We exist to ensure that women can access the reproductive healthcare that allows them to control their bodies and futures. We refuse to allow political shifts to derail us from our mission or fail the women who are counting on us.
