“Purposeful Decision” – Harris on Trump’s Actions
Kamala Harris, Vice President, commemorated the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision that turned the tide on Roe v. Wade, by lambasting former President Donald Trump. Harris held Trump responsible for diminishing women’s freedoms due to his role in electing the three highest-ranking judges who voted against upholding a woman’s right to choose. She dubbed Trump’s decision as “premeditated” and openly declared at a support rally in Maryland, “In the instance of stealing reproductive freedom from American women, Donald Trump is guilty.”
Framing it as a “dark anniversary,” President Biden highlights the Supreme Court manoeuvres under Trump’s leadership. “The Supreme Court majority under Donald Trump snatched away a woman’s fundamental freedom to access essential health care,” stated the President.
Freedom, Constitution and Shared Values
Echoing this sentiment, House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, emphasized the constitutional implications of taking away a woman’s right to choose. Asserting that this is an “assault on freedom, the Constitution, and the values shared by a majority of Americans,” the Brooklyn Democrat has been vocal about his stand against limiting abortion rights.
Democrats are anticipating that abortion rights could be a robust issue rallying their supporters for the upcoming November presidential election. This is particularly true for states planning referendums championing reproductive rights.
The Abortion Debate Across States
For her part, Harris made a proactive trip to Arizona, a key swing-state, which recently witnessed Democrats compelling Republicans to repeal an archaic near-total abortion ban established in 1864. She led a second reproductive rights event on Monday.
In contrast, Trump has deflected questions about his position on abortion. Instead, he proposes the issue should be decided at a state level even as he takes credit for assigning conservative judges who overruled Roe. Living in Florida, the former President has refrained from publicly stating if he supports a referendum that could eliminate a strict ban on almost all abortions post six weeks of pregnancy.
Political Backlash and Elections
The Supreme Court decision on the Dobbs case on June 24, 2022 has allowed Republican-dominated states to press for more severe abortion bans. This means that in around half of the states including Deep South and Great Plains, abortions are now outlawed completely.
This decision has resulted in significant political backlash damaging for Republicans. Democrats feel this issue played a crucial role in warding off a presumed GOP red wave during the 2022 midterms. It’s hoped this topic could also draw a small, yet significant group of swing voters in the upcoming presidential election between Biden and Trump.
Public Sentiment
According to recent polls, over 60% of Americans believe that abortion should remain mostly legal. Democrats warn that the real threat posed by conservative Republicans extends beyond surgical abortion. They argue that these right-wing politicians may very soon attempt to ban abortion medication, contraception, and even in-vitro fertilization.
In a recent ruling, the right-wing Alabama Supreme Court proclaimed that IVF, due to the destruction of unused frozen embryos, contravenes a constitutional amendment stating life begins at conception. Thus, the future of women’s rights and reproductive healthcare continues to hang in a precarious balance, with varying perspectives across political, legal, and public arenas.