During the Sept. 10 presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a powerful and pointed response on abortion, addressing one of the most pressing issues in American politics today.
In a head-to-head exchange with former President Donald Trump, Harris criticized the impact of abortion bans, particularly those enacted in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Trump, touting his role in appointing the justices who overturned the landmark decision, argued that the matter of abortion should be left to individual states.
However, Harris countered by stressing the real-world consequences of what she called “Trump abortion bans,” many of which do not include exceptions for rape or incest.
She labeled these restrictions “immoral” and shared vivid examples of how the bans have harmed women.
“You want to talk about this is what people wanted?” Harris asked Trump directly. She recounted stories of pregnant women suffering miscarriages and being denied emergency care due to fear of legal repercussions. “She didn’t want that. Her husband didn’t want that,” Harris declared, making it clear that these are not the outcomes the American people desire.
Harris further pledged that, as president, she would sign legislation codifying Roe v. Wade into law, reinforcing the Democrats’ commitment to protecting reproductive rights.
This stance resonates with many Americans, as a Pew Research Center poll shows that 63% believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
Abortion remains a significant issue for Democrats and has energized voter turnout, especially in states where referendums on the issue have appeared on the ballot.
Harris’ debate performance reaffirmed her role as a leading advocate for reproductive rights, while Trump’s anti-abortion stance could cost him support among suburban and independent voters in key battleground states.
The vice president’s impassioned defense of abortion rights is poised to resonate with many voters ahead of the 2024 election, further distinguishing her leadership on an issue that polls show Americans trust her to handle.
