Vice President Kamala Harris has passionately centred her campaign around abortion rights, addressing the issue with urgency.
Harris’s focus on abortion rights follows reports of preventable deaths due to restrictive laws, galvanising support among key voter groups.
Report of Preventable Deaths under Abortion Bans
The recent ProPublica report has significantly elevated the issue of abortion rights, particularly in states with restrictive laws like Georgia and North Carolina. This report, alongside testimonials at the Democratic convention in Chicago, highlights the tragic consequences of these restrictions.
At a Michigan event, Harris expressed her condolences to Shanette Williams, whose daughter Amber Nicole Thurman died in 2022. Harris commended the courage of the families affected, noting the preventable nature of Thurman’s death as determined by a state review committee. The committee concluded that timely medical intervention could have saved Thurman’s life.
Doctors Struggle
Dr. Nisha Verma, an obstetrician and gynaecologist in Georgia, described the challenging situations brought about by the abortion bans. She explained the difficulties in determining the exact point at which a medical intervention is permissible under current laws.
“It is unclear based on the law when we can intervene in each situation,” Verma stated. She recounted the case of a patient undergoing in vitro fertilisation who was forced to wait until her condition deteriorated before receiving necessary medical care. This delay exacerbated the patient’s suffering in an already tragic situation.
These challenges underscore the complex realities faced by medical professionals working under restrictive abortion laws. The ambiguity in these laws often results in delayed care, adding to the emotional and physical burdens experienced by patients.
An Edge for Harris on a Key Issue for Voters
Abortion rights remain a critical issue for Vice President Harris, who enjoys a significant advantage over Trump on this matter. A New York Times/Siena College poll revealed that 54% of likely voters trust Harris more on abortion rights, compared to 41% for Trump.
This trust is particularly prominent among young people, Black voters, and Hispanic voters. Among young people aged 18-29, nearly three-quarters trust Harris on abortion rights. Similarly, 83% of Black voters and 63% of Hispanic voters share this trust.
Compared to White likely voters, Black and Hispanic voters are more inclined to believe that Trump will attempt to pass a national abortion ban, a claim he has denied. A majority of voters, 61%, support a federal law restoring abortion rights nationwide, although such legislation is unlikely to pass the Senate without a supermajority.
A Consequential Issue This Year
The impact of this election on abortion rights is undeniable. According to a KFF poll, 89% of voters believe the election will influence abortion rights, with 61% predicting a significant impact.
Voters generally trust the Democratic nominee more than the Republican on handling abortion rights, a sentiment that has strengthened since Harris took over Biden’s campaign. The Harris-Walz campaign’s Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour has further amplified this message.
This focus on abortion rights is a strategic move to mobilize voters, especially those deeply concerned about reproductive freedoms. The campaign’s efforts aim to ensure that these issues remain at the forefront of voters’ minds.
Will Men Consider Abortion Rights When They Vote?
The Harris campaign has sought to make abortion rights relevant to male voters by framing it as a personal freedom issue. CNN reporters have noted the campaign’s efforts to feature testimonials from women affected by abortion bans and their spouses.
This strategy aims to highlight the broader implications of abortion rights restrictions, emphasising how these issues affect families and communities. By doing so, the campaign hopes to resonate with a wider audience and secure support from male voters.
Harris’s emphasis on abortion rights has brought significant attention to the issue, positioning her strongly among concerned voters.
As the election approaches, her campaign’s focus seeks to highlight the critical importance of reproductive freedoms.
