In recent years, reproductive rights have played a significant role in motivating voters. The KFF, previously known as the Kaiser Family Foundation, reports that “Up to 10 states may present abortion measures in ballots aimed at either confirming abortion rights in their state constitution or stating that such rights are not conferred by the constitution.”

The Democratic National Convention highlighted the issue of abortion, where numerous speakers shared personal experiences regarding abortion bans. Vice President Kamala Harris touched on this topic during her acceptance speech.

“When Congress endorses a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as president, I will be proud to sign it into law,” stated the Democratic presidential candidate.

While this is encouraging, I hope to see a thorough strategy from Democrats nationwide to reclaim the rights lost due to the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump seems to grasp the significance of this issue, attempting to distract from his responsibility in appointing justices who dismantled Roe v. Wade. Recently, Trump proposed promoting free in vitro fertilization and criticized Florida’s six-week abortion ban, stating: “I believe we should allow more than six weeks.”

Now, more than ever, it’s essential for Democrats and Harris to make this a central topic of their campaign and remind the public of the GOP’s agenda over the years.

Voters seek to retain their rights

Since the Dobbs ruling two years back, 14 states have implemented complete abortion bans, and eight have restrictions more severe than those previously established by Roe.

Despite these limitations, a significant majority of the populace supports the right to abortion in all or specific scenarios.

As someone who can become pregnant, I find it heartbreaking that my rights in North Carolina are less than what my mother had. This reality contributes to my hesitation about returning.

Democrats require a solid strategy for winning important races in states like North Carolina, ensuring that abortion rights are upheld.

The Harris campaign is kicking off a bus tour focused on reproductive rights, which is a positive step. However, both Harris and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz must directly address the topic of abortion.

Biden’s stance on abortion was tepid. Harris’s is not.

Messaging from the Democratic leadership has notably improved compared to what we heard while President Joe Biden was the nominee.

Biden, a practicing Catholic, has harbored uncertainty about the procedure and its legal protections since the 1970s. In the June debate against Trump, he provided a muddled response on the issue.

In contrast, Harris has consistently championed reproductive rights, beginning with her tenure as California’s attorney general. In March, she became the first sitting president or vice president to visit a Planned Parenthood in Minnesota that offers abortion services.

While Harris’s nomination represents progress for those advocating for national abortion access, much work remains. The focus should not solely be on the presidency but also on who holds power in the House, Senate, and state governments.

Trump aims to soften his abortion position

In a shift from his party’s strict approach, Trump is attempting to soften the Republican position on abortion.

“My Administration will be wonderful for women and their reproductive rights,” the former president recently shared on social media.

JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, is also working to alleviate concerns regarding potential threats to abortion access if Trump is re-elected. Vance informed NBC News that Trump has “clearly” indicated he would veto a federal ban on abortion.

Nevertheless, it remains true that Trump played a significant role in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a fact he has taken pride in. This position contrasts with the agenda outlined by Project 2025 for another Trump term.

Project 2025 proposes greater limitations on abortion, including the enforcement of the Comstock Act to prevent abortion pills from being mailed and removing the FDA’s approval for the abortion pill mifepristone.

Ultimately, abortion is the central issue of this election. This explains Trump’s sudden change in rhetoric. It’s essential for Democrats to prioritize this matter during the election season.

Follow YSL News elections columnist Sara Pequeño on X, previously known as Twitter, @sara__pequeno