Philanthropist Melinda French Gates, previously married to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, announced Tuesday that she is donating one billion dollars to organizations promoting women's issues.

The decision comes amid a perceived decline in women's rights in the United States, particularly concerning reproductive issues due to Republican-led abortion bans.

Gates, through her organization Pivotal, will distribute funds to groups such as the National Women's Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

In light of the US Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn national abortion rights, Gates aims to refocus efforts on reproductive rights within the United States.

Additionally, she selected a dozen individuals, including former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern and US athlete Allyson Felix, for a twenty-million-dollar grant to be distributed at their discretion.

This announcement occurs during an election year where abortion is anticipated to be a critical issue.