President Biden Urges Supporters to Mobilize Against Nationwide Abortion Ban
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden issued a warning on Friday to Republicans seeking a nationwide ban on abortion, stating that they won’t stop there and urging his supporters to channel their outrage into mobilizing votes for Democrats in 2024. Speaking at a rally on the eve of the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned federal abortion protections, Biden emphasized the importance of not letting personal decisions fall into the hands of politicians.
The Faith & Freedom Coalition, holding its annual conference just a mile away from Biden’s rally, saw Vice President Mike Pence urging his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination to support a 15-week federal abortion ban at minimum. Both sides are leaning into the issue one year after the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
In response to the Republican push for a nationwide ban, Biden issued an executive order on Friday to bolster access to contraception. He also received endorsements from Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden, and Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, at the rally. On the other side, a number of Republican hopefuls were set to speak at an evangelical summit, emphasizing their anti-abortion credentials and urging like-minded activists to stay on the political offensive.
Despite some political pundits dismissing the issue as a galvanizer in the leadup to the 2022 midterm elections, abortion remains a top concern for voters. When given the chance, voters consistently rejected efforts to restrict abortion in both Democratic and GOP-leaning states. The majority of Americans support legalized abortion nationwide.
The heads of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL-Pro Choice America, and Emily’s List have endorsed Biden and Harris early and loudly, recognizing the importance of the issue in mobilizing voters. They praised the administration’s actions to protect patients and providers and emphasized the unintended consequences of abortion bans, such as limiting access to pregnancy care and affecting everyday life decisions.
Restricting abortion access has consequences beyond ending unwanted pregnancies. Women in states with tight restrictions are increasingly unable to access care for pregnancy-related complications, and doctors are afraid to provide abortions due to criminal charges. States with severe abortion restrictions also have higher rates of maternal mortality, stillbirth, and miscarriage, disproportionately affecting Black women.
Harris argued that maternal health care and abortion care are linked, as the same medical procedures used for abortion are also used to treat miscarriage. She framed the issue as one of freedom, emphasizing the freedom to make decisions about one’s own life and body without government interference.
Biden’s executive order aims to strengthen access to contraception, addressing concerns about conservative willingness to regulate birth control. The order aims to increase options, lower costs, and raise awareness about contraception. Biden expressed regret that he had to sign such an order, highlighting the need to protect reproductive rights.
Pence’s comments at the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference challenged GOP front-runner Donald Trump, who has been reluctant to endorse a federal abortion ban. Pence emphasized the importance of restoring the sanctity of life to American law in every state.
Ralph Reed, founder and chairman of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, pledged to support pro-life candidates and urged them not to be on the defensive. He called on those who are afraid to grow a backbone and fight for their beliefs.
Follow the AP’s coverage of abortion at https://apnews.com/hub/abortion.
Why do major organizations like Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL-Pro Choice America, and Emily’s List endorse President Biden and Vice President Harris in the fight against the nationwide abortion ban
President Biden Urges Supporters to Take Action Against Nationwide Abortion Ban
President Joe Biden is urging his supporters to mobilize against Republicans seeking a nationwide ban on abortion. Speaking at a rally on the eve of the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned federal abortion protections, Biden warned that the Republican efforts won’t stop at a nationwide ban and emphasized the importance of not allowing personal decisions to be controlled by politicians.
The Faith & Freedom Coalition, holding its annual conference near Biden’s rally, saw Vice President Mike Pence advocating for a 15-week federal abortion ban among his Republican rivals for the presidential nomination. Both sides are capitalizing on the issue one year after the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
In response to the Republican push for a nationwide ban, Biden issued an executive order to strengthen access to contraception on Friday. He also received endorsements from Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Jill Biden, and Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, at the rally. Meanwhile, Republican hopefuls were set to speak at an evangelical summit, highlighting their anti-abortion stance and urging activists with similar views to stay politically engaged.
Despite some political pundits downplaying the issue’s relevance in the leadup to the 2022 midterm elections, abortion remains a significant concern for voters. When given the opportunity, voters consistently reject attempts to restrict abortion in both Democratic and Republican-leaning states. The majority of Americans support nationwide legalized abortion.
The heads of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL-Pro Choice America, and Emily’s List have endorsed Biden and Harris early on, recognizing the significance of the issue in mobilizing supporters.
President Biden’s call to mobilize against the Republican abortion ban is a clear indication of his commitment to women’s reproductive rights. It shows his determination to protect the rights and choices of individuals, and his willingness to challenge regressive policies. It’s an encouraging step towards a more inclusive and progressive future.