Abortion rights have long been a contentious issue in U.S. politics, but this year, they hold particular significance as voters prepare for the presidential election. This marks the first election since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively ending the federal protection of abortion rights and limiting reproductive freedom for women nationwide. In response, women are mobilizing in large protests, underscoring that abortion rights could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the election.
In Washington, D.C., hundreds of women recently gathered for a march advocating for abortion rights, creating a powerful display of activism just days ahead of the polls. Thousands of feminists and supporters of reproductive rights have convened in the capital, serving as a potent reminder of the high stakes involved in this election.
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Historical context
To grasp the current landscape of abortion rights, it’s essential to revisit significant historical milestones. In 1973, the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade granted American women the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. Nearly 50 years later, however, this precedent was overturned in 2022, effectively removing federal protection for abortion rights. Now, the authority to regulate abortion access lies with individual states, resulting in a complex patchwork of laws that differ drastically across the nation.
For example, in Washington, DC, abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy, while Texas enforces strict restrictions, allowing the procedure only when a pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk. Currently, 17 states have banned abortion, with a few providing limited exceptions in cases of rape or incest. This legal patchwork endures despite nearly 66 percent of Americans favoring full legal access to abortion.
The march
Activists at the march have been vocal about the implications of the upcoming election. Rachel O’Leary Carmona, Executive Director of the Women’s March, stated, “Since 2016, we’ve been telling folks that this is the most consequential election of your lifetime. And each year it’s 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, emphasized the urgency of the cause, saying, “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.”
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Presidential race heats up
As the presidential race intensifies, the stakes are becoming increasingly apparent. Vice President Kamala Harris is up against former President Donald Trump. Support for abortion rights is likely to favor the Democrats, with Harris committing to protect women’s rights if elected. However, critics note 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 responsible for 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,” suggesting a potential shift in tone regarding reproductive health.
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 prioritize 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 have dramatically shifted since 2020, and abortion rights have emerged as one of the most polarizing 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.
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