Protecting Abortion Rights: What’s at Stake in the Presidential Election
As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Vice President Kamala Harris has made it clear that she will prioritize protecting and expanding women’s access to abortion if elected president.
A Partisan Gender Divide
The issue of abortion has become a key factor in the presidential election, with a significant gender gap emerging between Harris and her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. According to an October NBC News poll, female voters overwhelmingly support Harris, while male voters favor Trump. This divide is closely tied to the issue of abortion, which was ranked as the top issue among female likely voters in the final New York Times election poll.
What Can Harris Do?
While restoring the right to abortion nationwide would require a significant shift in the composition of the Supreme Court or an act of Congress, Harris has pledged to take steps to increase access to abortion and protect reproductive rights. She has expressed support for eliminating the filibuster in the Senate, which would allow bills to pass with a simple majority, and has vowed to sign a bill from Congress reestablishing abortion rights.
Increasing Access to Medication Abortions
Harris could also pursue measures to make medication abortions more widely available, such as increasing access to telehealth services and repealing the Hyde Amendment, which limits federal funding for abortions to cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening pregnancies.
Fighting Republican Efforts to Limit Abortion
A Harris administration would likely resist efforts by Republicans and anti-abortion groups to further restrict abortion access, including attempts to invalidate the FDA’s approval of mifepristone and bans on emergency abortion care for patients whose health is in jeopardy.
State-Level Ballot Measures
Ten states have ballot measures this election that would increase abortion access, and Harris’ win could help ensure that these protections remain in place. Conversely, a Trump victory could lead to federal policy superseding these measures and limiting abortion access.
Conserving Access
Ultimately, Harris’ biggest impact on abortion access would be to prevent the erosion of rights that is likely under another Trump administration. By conserving access to abortion and protecting reproductive rights, Harris could make a critical difference in the lives of millions of women across the country.
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