Kamala Harris May Highlight Abortion Rights After Biden’s Exit

President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the presidential race on Sunday, coupled with his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, could place abortion rights at the forefront of the upcoming election. Harris, known for her strong stance on reproductive rights, is likely to make abortion a more prominent issue than Biden has.

Biden’s departure from the race, effective immediately, was announced in light of mounting concerns about his age and mental fitness following a contentious presidential debate on June 27. The president acknowledged in a statement that stepping down was in the best interest of both his party and the country, allowing him to focus on his current duties. His endorsement of Harris came swiftly, positioning her as the clear successor. Despite Biden’s support, some prominent Democrats, including the Obamas and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have yet to formally endorse Harris, calling for a more thorough nomination process.

Harris has been a vigorous advocate for reproductive rights, particularly since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. She has been at the forefront of the Biden administration’s efforts to promote reproductive freedoms, embarking on a nationwide “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour and engaging in numerous discussions with experts and local officials to bolster abortion access.

In contrast, Biden has faced criticism from abortion rights supporters for his less assertive approach to the issue. While he has condemned the Supreme Court’s ruling and attempted to mitigate abortion bans through policy measures, critics argue that he has not been vocal enough in his support for abortion rights. A comparison by Politico in May highlighted that Harris used the term “abortion” 15 times in a speech on Florida’s six-week abortion ban, whereas Biden used it only twice and discussed other topics.

Abortion rights organizations have praised Harris for her longstanding commitment to the cause. Reproductive Freedom for All lauded her efforts, stating, “There is nobody who has fought as hard for abortion rights and access,” and Emily’s List described her as “our most powerful advocate and messenger” on reproductive rights. Conversely, anti-abortion groups have criticized Harris’s stance, with SBA Pro-Life America accusing her of pushing for nationwide abortion access without exceptions and the National Right to Life Committee labeling her as “radically pro-abortion.”

Harris’s focus on abortion rights could potentially benefit the Democratic Party. In recent years, abortion has emerged as a critical issue in elections, with pro-abortion rights candidates succeeding in various races where the topic was central. Polls suggest that a majority of Americans support keeping abortion legal, which could play to Harris’s advantage as she campaigns on this issue.

Looking ahead, Harris’s candidacy raises questions about her potential strategies on abortion if elected. Experts predict that her campaign will emphasize reproductive rights more than Biden’s did. Drew Altman, President of the Kaiser Family Foundation, expects Harris to “focus even more attention on reproductive rights,” while Mini Timmaraju, President of Reproductive Freedom for All, believes Harris will ensure that this issue remains “front and center” in the election.

Meanwhile, Republicans have been moderating their anti-abortion stance in response to public support for abortion rights. The GOP platform has removed a longstanding call for a national abortion ban, and former President Donald Trump has expressed a preference for leaving abortion regulation to the states rather than imposing federal restrictions. Despite this, abortion rights advocates remain concerned about potential restrictive actions, with Project 2025 proposing measures like rescinding federal approval for abortion drugs.

Kamala Harris’s advocacy for abortion rights extends back to her tenure as a senator, where she co-sponsored abortion rights legislation and received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America (now Reproductive Freedom For All). Her 2020 presidential campaign also included a challenge to Biden on the Hyde Amendment, which limits federal funding for abortions, and she proposed a comprehensive platform to strengthen abortion rights.

As Biden exits the presidential race and endorses Harris, her campaign is set to take center stage. Whether or not she faces primary challengers, Harris will need to secure formal nomination through a delegate vote at the Democratic National Convention. With Biden’s endorsement and the backing of many Democrats, Harris’s candidacy represents a significant shift in the election landscape, potentially elevating abortion rights as a key issue in the upcoming contest.