A US-based medical aid organisation is calling for the Donald Trump administration to reconsider a new travel ban that threatens to block Haitian children with critical heart conditions from accessing urgent care abroad.
The International Cardiac Alliance (ICA), which has arranged more than 100 surgeries for Haitian children in the United States and other countries, warns that a dozen patients could miss life-or-death procedures due to the restrictions.
The order, which takes effect today targets travellers from 19 countries, but lacks provisions for those seeking medical treatment.
While the executive order allows for certain exceptions such as lawful permanent residence and individuals travelling for major sporting events, there is no clear exemption for patients with urgent health needs.
The ICA executive director, Owen Robinson, says the new policy could halt travel plans for Haitian children who were days away from surgery.
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