As Vice President Kamala Harris takes over the presidency following Joe Biden’s resignation, the issue of abortion has become a central focus of her campaign. Harris has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, working to draw a stark contrast between herself and her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. She has emphasized the importance of allowing women to make decisions about their own bodies and has promised to stop extreme abortion bans implemented by the Trump administration. With the Supreme Court overturning abortion rights in 2022, roughly half of the states have implemented bans, leading to increased restrictions on access to abortion and higher rates of maternal mortality, especially in states with the most restrictions. Harris has been consistent in her advocacy for reproductive rights throughout her career and is expected to continue making abortion a major feature of her campaign.
Despite his Catholic background, President Biden has taken a more progressive stance on abortion-related issues, seeking to make medication abortion more available, improve access to contraception, and argue for the duty of hospitals to perform life-saving abortions in states where they are banned. Harris has been a key player in advocating for reproductive health issues, touring Planned Parenthood clinics and meeting with lawmakers to discuss protecting abortion rights. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, has also been vocal in his support for reproductive freedom, emphasizing the need for change in the current landscape of healthcare for pregnant individuals. While Biden has supported these efforts, his handling of abortion-related issues during debates has been criticized, leading to increased pressure on Harris to take a stronger stance on the issue.
Harris has consistently linked the issue of abortion to broader problems in the US healthcare system, particularly in relation to maternal mortality and morbidity, especially among Black women who face greater risks and are less likely to be believed when complications arise. She has sponsored legislation addressing maternal health and implicit bias in healthcare, highlighting the need for comprehensive healthcare reform. As California’s attorney general, Harris also took legal action against anti-abortion groups, demonstrating her commitment to protecting reproductive rights. As Harris takes on the role of a leading pro-abortion-rights candidate, scholars and advocates hope that her unapologetic stance on reproductive rights will pave the way for more progressive policies and a greater focus on addressing disparities in healthcare access.
With the 2024 Election approaching, Harris’ campaign is expected to highlight her advocacy for reproductive rights as a key platform. The implications of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn abortion rights in 2022 have further emphasized the need for a strong advocate in the White House. Harris’ background as a Black and South Asian woman uniquely positions her to speak out on how abortion bans disproportionately impact women of color, providing a personal perspective on the issue. Advocates for reproductive rights are hopeful that Harris’ candidacy will lead to a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities. As the campaign progresses, the focus on abortion rights is likely to grow, with Harris at the forefront of the push for progressive policies in this area.
Overall, Harris’ consistent advocacy for reproductive rights and her unapologetic stance on abortion make her a formidable candidate in the upcoming election. Her history of supporting legislation aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and addressing disparities in healthcare access demonstrates her commitment to comprehensive healthcare reform. As she continues to emphasize the importance of allowing women to make decisions about their own bodies, Harris is expected to draw a clear contrast between herself and her opponent, highlighting the stakes for reproductive rights in the 2024 Election. Advocates for reproductive rights are looking to Harris as a leader in the fight for comprehensive healthcare reform and equitable access to reproductive healthcare for all individuals.
