Abortion

NPR -  Nearly 40% of women under the age of 30 cite abortion as a top issue in this election. Abortion access will be directly on the ballot in 10 states next week. Vice President Harris has stated that if she is elected, she will restore reproductive freedom and sign a bill that enshrines the right to an abortion. In contrast, former President Donald Trump and his allies have discussed the possibility of implementing national abortion limits often referred to as a minimum national standard. However, Trump rolled that back on the campaign trail weeks ago, saying he would veto a federal abortion ban.

Harris wouldn’t be able to expand abortion rights alone. She needs Congress’ support, NPR’s Elissa Nadworny says. Even if she could get something passed, she would face legal challenges and a now conservative Supreme Court. If Trump became president, he could limit abortion by enforcing an anti-obscenity law called the Comstock Act. It could be used to criminalize abortion by banning abortion pills and medical instruments needed for the procedure. Once in office, a president could use executive authority to strengthen privacy laws to protect women from prosecution. In contrast, the president could create abortion tracking requirements.