http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/08/opinion/humanitarian-aid-for-rape-victims.html?_r=1&ref=abortion
Once again, the US is making global news and trying to assist other countries. This time, the US is speaking out and making laws about worldwide abortion issues. Obama had previously lifted the “global gag rule” that Bush put in place, which said that no federal aid would be given to family planning groups that provided abortions or even counseling about abortions. Although Obama lifted this law, he left a similar policy in place based off of the Helms amendment. This policy left in place stopped aid to countries for abortions. It is almost the same as the law he lifted, but a policy. Therefore, many people are pushing Obama to lift this policy when rape victims are concerned. The Helms amendment violates the “Geneva Conventions, which entitles all victims of armed conflict — including those brutalized by rape — to complete and non-discriminatory medical treatment.” Medical treatment includes abortions if necessary or wanted.
Abortion has always been a huge issue and if this policy gets lifted, it will impact the world greatly. Lifting of one policy by Obama will trickle down and help women in small villages. If this policy is not lifted and aid is not given to overseas clinics, illegal and abortions not performed by doctors will continue to happen. Abortions in small villages in Africa not done by doctors could have great impacts such as extreme illness and death. One small power Obama has could affect thousands of women in the world for the better quality of their health.
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