Kamala Harris Run Could Electrify Democratic Abortion Rights Campaign

President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek a second term, instead endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. This decision places Harris, a strong advocate for abortion rights, at the forefront of a significant issue for the upcoming election.

Harris has been a leading voice on abortion rights, a crucial topic for the Democratic Party. Over the past year, she has used various platforms to emphasize how a second term for Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress could severely limit abortion access. While Biden has pledged his full support for Harris, the final decision lies with the delegates at the Democratic National Convention.

Some Democratic leaders, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, suggest an open process to choose the nominee. Harris’ potential nomination marks a significant shift from Biden, who has evolved on abortion rights over five decades, starting with opposition to most abortions and later advocating for the restoration of federal protections for abortion under Roe v. Wade.

With the election just over 100 days away, Democrats’ ability to mobilize voters on abortion rights will be crucial. The popularity of abortion rights among voters has posed challenges for Republicans, who have largely avoided the topic. At the recent Republican National Convention, prominent figures like Trump and his running mate JD Vance barely mentioned abortion, despite Vance’s previous support for a national ban.

The Republican National Committee’s new platform, approved quietly, does not address a national ban but endorses a theory that could grant fetuses the same rights as people. Project 2025, a conservative group’s policy wishlist, suggests that a Republican administration should use federal agencies to restrict abortion access.

Polling indicates that voters consider a candidate’s stance on abortion highly important. A survey by KFF found that 12% of voters prioritize abortion, with an additional 52% considering it very important. Most voters who focus on abortion rights favor access to the procedure, a sentiment supported by Pew Research Center findings showing nearly two-thirds of Americans believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases.

Harris’ candidacy, if confirmed, would make her one of the most pro-abortion-rights candidates ever nominated by a major party. As the nation faces its first presidential election since the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade, her stance could be pivotal.

Harris has been vocal about the implications of government control over personal decisions, emphasizing this in a campaign event in Michigan. Biden, who has hesitated on the issue, has faced criticism for his reluctance to use the term “abortion.” Although he promised to sign legislation codifying federal abortion rights, his personal discomfort with the issue has been noted.

Harris, however, has been consistent and outspoken on reproductive rights, garnering support from various advocacy groups. Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Reproductive Freedom for All have endorsed her, highlighting her dedication to keeping patient and provider needs central.

Conversely, anti-abortion activists have quickly attacked Harris. SBA Pro-Life America and Students for Life of America have labeled her stance as extreme and cited her support for medication abortion.