The Hill: Obama’s trip to Africa: Missed opportunity before it even began
Jonathan Rucks, director of advocacy at PAI

“…In choosing not to prioritize visiting health facilities [during his trip to Africa, President Obama] has also chosen to miss the opportunity to meet the real women, families, and communities whose lives are irrevocably affected when access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care — including safe abortion — is not a reality. It is unfortunate that the president will not use his upcoming trip to continue to build his global health legacy by advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. He has chosen not to see the ways in which reproductive health is connected to health, well being — and long-term economic prosperity. … [I]f the goal of U.S. humanitarian assistance is to improve the health, safety, and dignity of all people, denying safe abortion access to a woman who has been raped or whose life is in danger because of a pregnancy undermines these values” (7/24).