Huffington Post: Time to Act for Women and Girls Raped in Conflict
Serra Sippel, president of the Center for Health and Gender Equity

“At the Obama administration’s six-year mark we can celebrate much that has been done to further the cause of women and girls here in the United States and around the globe. … But, after six years, President Obama has yet to take a critical step — completely within his power — to provide women and girls raped in conflict the help they need. … Correct interpretation of the [Helms] amendment requires simply that the president use the power of his pen to direct our agencies, including USAID, to properly implement comprehensive care for women and girls. … It is unconscionable that the U.S. is failing to use its considerable power to facilitate access to post-rape care for women and girls [because the Helms amendment is implemented as a complete ban on abortion funding globally]. After six years in office it is time for the president to move beyond words to support those raped in conflict…” (10/29).