In conflicts around the world today, rape is routinely used as a tactic of warfare and terror against women and girls. Already brutalized, these women deserve, and are entitled to, comprehensive medical care. For those that become pregnant, this must include the option of abortion.
Due to this Administration’s failure to reinterpret the Helms amendment to, at a minimum, permit exceptions for rape, life endangerment and incest, girls and women around the world are left without access to the services they need. This is not only wrong; it also denies them their right to complete medical care under the Geneva Conventions and international human rights law.
We ask President Obama to issue an executive order lifting this abortion ban.