Trump and Harris contrast on abortion
With the upcoming 2024 election and many new voters, both main candidates are doing their best to appeal to a wide variety of voters. Abortion is a topic that has captured the attention of many voters, potentially gaining many more or losing many less votes. Donald Trump is currently known for a very conservative stance, but has been changing some of his platforms to appeal to a wider audience.
Historically, Trump has been an opponent to abortion. To his party, he is widely known for his conservative stances. In June of 2022, five Supreme Court justices voted to overturn the Supreme Court case, Roe vs. Wade. Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Barret were all appointed by Trump throughout his four year presidency.
“After 50 years of failure, with nobody coming even close, I was able to kill Roe v. Wade much to the shock of everyone,” said Trump. “Without me, there would be no six weeks, 10 weeks, 15 weeks, or whatever is finally agreed to. Without me, the pro life movement would have just kept losing.”
Though after a series of interviews and campaign rallies, Trump addressed abortion, acknowledging the complexities of the topic. Earlier this year in March, Trump stated that you have to include exemptions in abortion laws if you’re going to win elections. This led Trump to being open to a 15-week abortion ban.
Senior Avishek Rajbhandary supports Trump on the idea that there should be a period of time where an abortion is allowed, but past the 15-week ban, it’s no longer allowed. “I think it’s necessary to give enough people time to have an abortion, while still having limits on abortion,” said Rajbhandary.
In stark contrast to Trump, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, has been an advocate for women’s reproductive rights since the start of her campaign. Her position is already widely known thanks to her tenure as vice president. Harris has publicly advocated and spoken out in support of abortion rights, emphasizing the importance of the personal right. She has also given support to legislative efforts aimed at protecting abortion access and worked in collaboration with various organizations and advocacy groups focused on reproductive rights.
“I believe that it is a woman’s right to choose and I will always fight to protect that right,” said Harris.
“Out of the two, Kamala has the better platform. It’s apparent she supports human rights in every way. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion on abortion but it’s simply wrong to take away the right from people,” said senior Aden Lam.