Trump vs Harris: Will abortion rights be the deciding factor in swing states?

Abortion rights have been a heated issue in US politics for years, but this year, they are especially important as voters get ready for the presidential election. This is the first election since the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, which took away the national right to abortion and control over reproductive choices for women across America. In response, women are gathering in large protests to stand up for their rights, showing that abortion rights could be a key factor in deciding the next president.

In Washington, DC, hundreds of women have gathered for a march to rally for abortion rights, a powerful display of activism just days before Americans head to the polls. As thousands of feminists and reproductive rights advocates converge on the capital, their presence serves as a stark reminder of what is at stake in this election.

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The historical context

To understand the current climate surrounding abortion rights, we must reflect on key moments in history. In 1973, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling in Roe vs Wade, which granted American women the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. However, nearly 50 years later, in 2022, that precedent was overturned, stripping women of their national right to abortion. The power to regulate abortion access has now shifted back to individual states, creating a patchwork of laws that vary widely across the country.

For instance, in Washington, DC, abortion remains legal at all stages of pregnancy. In stark contrast, Texas imposes strict limitations, permitting the procedure only in life-threatening situations. Currently, 17 states have outlawed abortion, with some allowing narrow exceptions in cases of rape or incest. This legal uncertainty persists despite the fact that nearly 66 per cent of Americans support complete legal access to abortion.

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Voices from the march

Activists at the march have been vocal about the implications of the election. Rachel O’Leary Carmona, Executive Director of the Women’s March, said, “Since 2016, we’ve been telling folks that this is the most consequential election of your lifetime. And each year its been true, whether it’s 2018, 2020, 2022 and more than ever in 2024, we are voting on freedom or fascism, and there’s really no middle ground.”

Lina Anderson, a participant from New York City, emphasised the urgency of the cause, stating, “We’ve got to stand up for democracy. We have to stand up for women’s right to have control over her body, control over her life. Women’s rights are human rights. And we were back in the hallways.”

The presidential race

As the presidential race heats up, the stakes become even clearer. Vice President Kamala Harris faces off against former President Donald Trump. Support for abortion rights is likely to benefit the Democrats, with Harris pledging to protect women’s rights if elected. However, critics point out that she was part of the administration that oversaw the overturning of Roe vs Wade. President Biden, her predecessor, has been relatively reticent on the issue due to his Catholic background, raising concerns about the potential for meaningful action on reproductive rights.

In contrast, Trump, who appointed the justices that facilitated the overturning of Roe vs Wade, has recently softened his stance. He no longer advocates for a national abortion ban and has called himself the “father of IVF,” indicating a potential shift in tone regarding reproductive health.

A call for accountability

As activists prepare to march past the White House, their message is clear: they demand accountability from those in power. This event is more than just a protest; it’s a clarion call for the next administration to prioritise reproductive rights.

With the presidential race tightly contested, abortion rights could sway key swing states—those crucial battlegrounds that ultimately decide the presidency. Many activists express anxiety over the prospect of another Trump administration, leading them to rally support for Harris. Yet, this support hasn’t translated into the anticipated voter turnout for the Democrats, leaving many feeling uneasy about the future of women’s rights.

Denise Heinrich, an attendee from New Jersey, conveyed her fears succinctly: “I’m terrified as to what’s going to happen to this country and women’s rights. This is the most (important) election in our country’s history. And I think a lot of Americans don’t realise that — what’s at stake.”

Women’s rights in the United States has dramatically shifted since 2020 and abortion rights have emerged as one of the most polarising issues of the upcoming election. For women under 30, the significance of this issue even surpasses concerns about inflation. As election day draws near, the march in Washington serves as a potent reminder that the fight for reproductive rights is both a political battle and a deeply personal struggle for countless Americans.