Opinion: Abortion Rights Can Help Democracy
As the Republican National Convention unfolds in Milwaukee this week, and with GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump selecting JD Vance, known for his anti-abortion stance, as his running mate, the urgency to unite behind the Biden-Harris ticket has never been clearer. In order to safeguard our democracy, Democrats must rally behind President Joe Biden to defend reproductive freedom.
Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending a rally in Detroit with Biden, where he demonstrated his strength and leadership in addressing the critical needs of our country.
Conversely, the prospect of a second Trump presidency poses a grave threat to reproductive rights and the very foundations of our democracy. If re-elected, Trump is poised to dismantle our democratic institutions and erode the freedoms we cherish. This isn’t mere speculation but a well-documented plan outlined in Project 2025, a comprehensive strategy devised by over 140 individuals associated with him. The blueprint seeks to redefine when life begins, potentially leading to restrictions not only on abortion but also on certain forms of contraception and fertility treatments such as IVF.
Moreover, this initiative represents a systematic takeover of the federal government aimed at undermining democratic norms and concentrating power within the executive branch.
Trump’s track record suggests that he is likely to follow through with this agenda, having collaborated with Congress to appoint conservative judges who align with his goals, including the roll-back of Roe v. Wade.
Recently, the GOP’s platform committee affirmed its intent to outlaw abortion nationwide, using the 14th Amendment as justification. However, we have the power to thwart these dangerous schemes.
By preventing Trump from appointing additional Supreme Court justices, we can prevent setbacks in our country’s progress and avert the descent into authoritarianism. This election is fundamentally about safeguarding our freedoms, and conveying this message to voters is crucial for our success.
The Republican Party bears responsibility for the erosion of abortion rights, leading to prohibitions in nearly half of the states across the nation. Countless individuals are confronting dire circumstances and life-threatening scenarios due to these restrictive measures.
Voters are increasingly incensed and motivated to take action. Surveys indicate a growing support for legal abortion for any reason, signaling a shifting tide in public opinion. The prominence of reproductive rights as a determining factor in the upcoming election underscores the importance of this issue to a vast segment of the electorate.
With the commitment of Biden and Harris, we have a clear pathway to victory. Their dedication to upholding Roe v. Wade and ensuring access to abortion across all states is unwavering. Biden has pledged to sign legislation that reinstates the protective provisions of Roe v. Wade once it reaches his desk.
Meanwhile, Biden has taken immediate steps through executive orders to safeguard abortion access during emergencies, bolster access to contraception, and defend medication abortion. By entrusting Harris, a staunch advocate for abortion rights, to lead this charge, the administration underscores its unwavering support for reproductive freedoms.
The disparity between Biden’s stance and Trump’s extremism is stark. When voters grasp the high stakes involved, they overwhelmingly reject Trump’s agenda and embrace Biden’s platform. This was evident in the 2020 election and confirmed by recent polling data.
If we mobilize our base, convey the urgency of this moment, and stand in solidarity with the Biden-Harris ticket, victory is within reach. The outcome of this election rests in our hands. Victory is achievable, but it necessitates unity and unwavering support for Biden and Harris.
