United States: With the upcoming election year, Vice President Kamala Harris is intensifying her efforts to support abortion rights. She recently planned to organize a nationwide series of events as Democrats try to energize voters to give President Joe Biden full control of Congress for the second time.
Her first event was scheduled for Wisconsin on January 22, 2024, which would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide. The court invalidated the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling in 2022.
“I will continue to fight for our fundamental freedoms while bringing together those throughout America who agree that every woman should have the right to make decisions about her own body — not the government,” Harris said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.
Abortion Access in Wisconsin
Since the Supreme Court’s ruling, access to abortion has fluctuated in Wisconsin, a crucial battleground state.
As Republican-led states enact new restrictions, there’s no obvious road to restoring nationwide abortion rights. The loss of Roe v. Wade was a historic setback for Democrats.
Democrats, on the other hand, effectively used outrage over the decision to stem their losses in the 2022 midterms – Republicans narrowly won control of the House rather than achieving wipeout victory as predicted – and further they aim to use the issue as a rallying cry again in 2024.
Although vice presidents don’t usually make the difference in election campaigns, Harris is expected to be a key player in the upcoming elections. The major reason behind the same is believed to be Biden’s old age – as he would be 86 in the second term.
Empowering the Next Generation
She has also led the White House’s abortion campaign, hosting over 50 engagements in at least 16 states with politicians, attorneys general, activists, and healthcare professionals.
Her recent college tour, during which she visited campuses to speak with students, also focused on this issue.