Summary:
Abortion, also known as pregnancy termination, has been a deeply polarizing topic in politics with divergent views shaping policy and public discourse. The Republican party views on abortion typically center around a pro-life stance, advocating for restrictions on abortion access. This is under the belief that life begins at conception and therefore the conservative party highly supports protecting the rights of the unborn fetus. On the other hand, Democratic tend to be pro-choice, therefore their views on abortion prioritize reproductive rights and access to abortion healthcare/services. With this ongoing debate, the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, ending the constitutional guarantee for abortion access and allowing individual states to decide on regulations. Consequently, abortion and reproductive rights have emerged as pivotal topics in the discourse surrounding the 2024 presidential election.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy initially expressed support for a three-month federal abortion ban, which diverged from the typical stance of his party. However, he has backtracked and claims that he does not support legislation banning abortion, emphasizing his commitment to reproductive rights. Despite this, Kennedy has struggled to outline a clear policy plan on the issue and has not explicitly stated his views on abortion access.
Quotes:
“ Mr. Kennedy supports a woman’s right to choose. He believes the issue of late-term abortions is being used to artificially divide the American public” – Kennedy Campaign
“Mr. Kennedy believes it is not up to the government to intervene in these difficult medical and moral choices. That should be left up to the woman and her doctor”- – Kennedy Campaign
Donald Trump:
Trump has consistently taken a pro-life stance on abortion and played a primary role in the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Throughout his presidency, he implemented policies aimed at restricting abortion access, such as appointing conservative judges to federal courts and supporting measures to defund Planned Parenthood. However he is noncommittal on a federal ban on abortion and believes that it should ultimately be left to the states.
Quotes:
“That’s why when I’m re-elected, I will continue to fight against the demented late-term abortionists in the Democrat Party who believe in unlimited abortion on demand and even executing babies after birth”
“Because I am pro-life, and I will be appointing pro-life judges, I would think that that will go back to the individual states. If we put another two or perhaps three justice on, that’s really what’s going to be. That’ll happen automatically, in my opinion, because I am putting pro-life justices on the court. I will say this: It will go back to the states, and the states will then make a determination.”
“As far as Planned Parenthood is concerned, I’m pro-life. I’m totally against abortion, having to do with Planned Parenthood … And I wouldn’t fund it. I would defund it because of the abortion factor, which they say is 3%. I don’t know what percentage it is. They say it’s 3%. But I would defund it, because I’m pro-life. ”
Joe Biden:
Biden puts reproductive rights on the forefront of his campaign and urges Congress to protect the right to abortion, as established by Roe v. Wade, into law. He has affirmed his commitment to vetoing any legislation that seeks to federally ban abortions. In addition, he has signed executive orders to expand access to contraception and family planning services. Biden has also defended access to mifepristone, an abortion medication, citing the FDA’s authority to approve prescription drugs.
Quotes:
“As long as I have power of the presidency, if Congress were to pass a national abortion ban, I would veto it.”
“Stop playing politics with the women’s lives and freedom. Let doctors do their job,”
“I said … on that day that Roe was overturned, the health and lives of women in this nation would now be at risk … And that has unfortunately proven to be true. They’ve been at risk.”
