Abortion has been one of the most controversial topics of modern times and it effects multiple people and not just women. It is one of the biggest issues in the current election. In the interest of promoting understanding of the debate, we need to focus on what the major views of each political candidate, and what political considerations may be involved regarding abortion. According to ourbodiesourselves.org, many people argue that inaccessibility to abortion care risks violating human rights. While others debate the fact that unborn fetuses should have the basic right to life and that abortion demeans motherhood. There have been many abortion specific court cases in recent times Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which overturned Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court rules that the states should make their own abortion laws.
In recent times, the legal system has been strongly enforcing anti-abortion laws in various states across the country. According to the article from americanprogress.org, in thirteen U.S. states, “trigger laws” were enacted to automatically ban abortion when Roe v. Wade was officially overturned. In simple terms, these states pre-approved anti-abortion laws that went into effect immediately after the Supreme Court decision. There are special circumstances in most states such as rape/incest, fetal anomaly, and life/health risk, in which abortion can be allowed. In total, 14 states have near total abortion bans in effect with limited exceptions. This issue will continue to motivate voters and politicians on both sides.
What does Donald Trump say regarding abortion?
In a recent presidential debate between Kamala and Trump, Kamala stated that if Trump were to be reelected, he plans to sign a national abortion ban. Trump rebutted this statement by stating, in a quote provided by cbsnews.com,“It’s a lie. I’m not signing a ban, and there’s no reason to sign a ban, because we’ve gotten what everybody wanted, Democrats, Republicans and everybody else, and every legal scholar wanted it to be brought back into the states.” He later discussed his plans on an abortion ban with a debate moderator Linsey Davis, and seems more hesitant or uncertain about his plans to possibly veto a ban on abortion. Trump tells Davis he is unwilling to discuss his decision to veto a national ban. Although Trump has claimed in the past that his presidential campaign and administration will be very beneficial towards women’s reproductive rights, his agenda for second-term has included his plans to ban abortion across nations, as well as discontinue access to medications in relation to abortion.
What does Kamala Harris say regarding abortion?
Abortion is considered a topic of focus in Harris’ campaign. She preaches against the national abortion ban, and pushes for the rights of women both relating to reproductive freedom and unrelated rights as well. Harris has dedicated space on her personal campaign website including her plans to restore and protect women’s reproductive freedoms. She states Donald’s opposing plans and opinions about abortion. “Donald Trump handpicked members of the United States Supreme Court to take away reproductive freedom – and now he brags about it. In his words, “I did it, and I’m proud to have done it.” He even called for punishment for women who have an abortion.” (kamalaharris.com) Harris later stated in her statement on abortion laws that she refuses to allow a national ban to become law, and when congress passes a bill for the restoration of reproductive rights, she ensures that she will sign it.
What do the people in our community have to say about this topic?
- “Yes I absolutely believe women have the right to choose, I think that it has come very far from where we were a hundred to two hundred years ago. I’m really happy to live in this time period, I have more rights to choose, path of life, etc as opposed to my mother and my grandma.” – Ms. Dean, English teacher.
- “No, I feel like it should be the women’s choice to their body, so whatever they wanna do with their child, if they don’t wanna have it or abort it, it should be their choice, not the Congress or men in general.” Dennis, former senior graduate from The College Academy.
- “ Abortion affects multiple people not just women, what protects women’s rights is for abortion is the right to privacy and property … .it harms women because they are obligated to carry the fetus and you also if you start pulling at certain amendments, they can violate your privacy.” Ms. Marte, English/Special Education teacher.
