Kamala Harris Challenges Trump’s Claims on Women’s Protection
Vice President Kamala Harris recently spoke out against former President Donald Trump’s statements about being a “protector” of women. She highlighted how many women have lost access to abortion since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Trump’s Rally Remarks
At a rally on September 23, Trump claimed that if he is elected president, women will not have to worry about issues like abortion. He said, “You will be protected, and I will be your protector.”
Harris Responds on Popular Podcast
During an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, host Alexandra Cooper asked Harris about Trump’s comments.
Cooper: At a rally in Pennsylvania, former President Trump recently told women, “You will be protected, and I will be your protector.” What do you make of that?
Harris: So he who, when he was president, hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did just as he intended, and there are now 20 states with Trump abortion bans, including bans that make no exception for rape or incest, which we just discussed, which means that you’re telling a survivor of a crime, of a violation to their body, they don’t have a right to make a decision about what happens to their body next? Which is immoral. So, this is the same guy that is now saying that?
This is the same guy, who said that women should be “punished” for having abortions? This is the same guy who uses the kind of language he does to describe women?
So, yeah, there you go.
The Overturning of Roe v. Wade
The conservative majority of the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022. Trump appointed three of the six justices who made this decision. In a debate, Trump praised the “genius” of the decision.
This ruling allowed states with Republican legislatures to enact laws with various levels of abortion bans.
False Claims and Public Opinion
Trump has falsely claimed that “everyone” wanted Roe overturned. However, University of California law professor Mary Ziegler stated, “This is a claim that is unusually brazen in how false it is.”
Even Melania Trump, Trump’s wife, disagrees with him. She claims to be pro-choice and said, “He has different beliefs, and he will do what he believes if he is elected.”
Republican Stance on Abortion
After criticism of federal abortion bans, Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, suggested Republicans want a “minimum national standard” on abortion. However, these “standards” would still effectively ban the procedure.
The AP reported that Republicans have been accused of trying to recast federal abortion restrictions as “minimum national standards” to obscure their positions amid the political unpopularity of the GOP’s stance on abortion.
Real Stories and Advocacy
Fourteen states now have abortion bans without exceptions for rape and incest. Kentucky is one such state. Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky resident, was raped by her stepfather and became pregnant, later miscarrying. She has become an advocate against abortion bans and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August.
“I can’t imagine not having a choice, but today, that’s the reality for many women and girls across the country because of Donald Trump’s abortion bans,” Duvall said.
She has also appeared in campaign advertising for the Harris campaign.
Public Support for Abortion Access
Polling shows strong public support for abortion access, especially for victims of rape and incest. A May 2024 Pew Research Center poll found that 63% of respondents supported abortion in all or most cases. Among Democrats, 96% supported it, while 67% of Republicans did.
Harris’s Call for Action
Harris has called for a federal law to restore abortion rights as originally laid out in Roe. She supports ending the Senate filibuster to ensure such a law passes.
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FAQs About Harris’s Statement on Trump and Abortion Bans
Harris’s recent statement on Trump and abortion bans has sparked significant interest.
1. What did Kamala Harris say about Trump and abortion bans?
Kamala Harris stated that if abortion bans continue, Donald Trump cannot be considered a protector of women’s rights.
2. Why did Kamala Harris criticize Trump on abortion?
Harris criticized Trump for his stance on abortion, which she believes undermines women’s rights and reproductive freedom.
3. What are the implications of Harris’s statement for the 2024 election?
Harris’s statement could influence the 2024 election by highlighting the differing views on reproductive rights between Trump and Democratic candidates.
4. How has Trump responded to Harris’s criticism?
Trump has not directly responded to Harris’s specific comments but has generally defended his stance on abortion as a pro-life position.
5. What are the current abortion laws in the United States?
The current abortion laws in the U.S. vary by state, with some states having strict bans and others maintaining more permissive policies. The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has led to a patchwork of state laws.
6. How does Kamala Harris’s stance on abortion align with Democratic Party policies?
Kamala Harris’s stance on abortion aligns with the Democratic Party’s platform, which supports reproductive rights and access to safe and legal abortion services.
7. What are the potential consequences of continued abortion bans in the U.S.?
The potential consequences include increased maternal mortality rates, reduced access to healthcare for women, and a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
8. How has public opinion shifted on abortion in recent years?
Public opinion on abortion has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase in support for reproductive rights among younger generations and a decrease in support among older generations.
9. What role does Kamala Harris play in advocating for women’s rights in the U.S. government?
Kamala Harris serves as the Vice President of the United States and has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, including reproductive rights, throughout her career.
10. How can individuals support reproductive rights in the U.S.?
Individuals can support reproductive rights by advocating for policy changes that protect access to safe and legal abortion services, volunteering with organizations that provide reproductive healthcare, and engaging in voter education efforts.
