Major Setback for Reproductive Health Services in T&T

May 15, 2025 – In a major setback for reproductive health services in Trinidad and Tobago, the Family Planning Association says it may have to cut some of its critical programmes due to a 53% drop in international funding. Executive Director Jill De Bourg says the shortfall stems from ongoing U.S. foreign aid freezes, initially triggered by executive orders under the Trump administration. In 2024, they received over TT$2.8 million in such funding. That figure is expected to fall to just TT$1.29 million in 2025. The TT government provides the Association with up to $1 million annually, but only on a reimbursement basis, which they say is insufficient to cover the growing shortfall. The Association’s President, Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, says they’ve already shut down their migrant support programme and warns that more cuts could follow. They’re now calling on corporate Trinidad and Tobago to step in and help preserve services that many rely on.