Obama waives protocol on behalf of pregnant women in Ghana

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Protocol says you stand when the president enters a room. But for a handful of pregnant women, President Barack Obama was willing to make an exception.

Obama and first lady Michelle Obama highlighted prenatal health during a program Saturday at La General Hospital in Ghana. When the first couple joined the group, many of the visibly pregnant women stood.

"Maybe all the mothers can sit down," Obama said.

Obama told a few reporters on hand for the visit that such prenatal counseling is important to reduce infant mortality rates. Ghana declared infant mortality an emergency last year.