Trump and Harris’ Perspectives on Abortion and IVF Access Explained

Washington — Abortion remains a pivotal issue for voters ahead of the upcoming November election. This election marks the first presidential contest since the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade two years ago, which enabled 22 states to limit access to abortion services. Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are using their platforms to outline their views on abortion and its potential future under their respective administrations.

Democrats are optimistic that abortion access will mobilize voters in favor of Harris. In contrast, Republicans have framed the issue as one better managed at the state level, while facing increased scrutiny regarding Trump’s potential support for a nationwide abortion ban should he return to office.

A recent CBS News poll indicates that 60% of voters believe abortion should remain legal in all or most situations. Notably, a substantial 76% of women likely voters who advocate for legal abortion support Harris.

Examining the stances of both Trump and Harris on abortion reveals ongoing dynamics within their campaigns.

Donald Trump has portrayed fluctuating views on abortion throughout his campaign, which has frustrated conservative and anti-abortion groups advocating for a universal ban. He often takes credit for the Supreme Court’s revocation of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, highlighting that three justices he appointed were instrumental in that ruling.

Trump maintains that the issue is now a matter for the states to decide, stating, “Now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation.” In a recent social media video, he reinforced this view, indicating he believes state decisions should govern abortion rights moving forward.

While Trump has not explicitly endorsed a national abortion ban, he recently mentioned that people are in favor of a 15-week limit. This has generated diverse reactions, particularly as Harris and other Democrats have associated Trump with the restrictions spurred by the reversal of Roe. The former president counters these criticisms by asserting that his administration would advocate for women’s reproductive rights.

On August 23, following a speech by Harris that criticized his stance, Trump proclaimed that his administration would be “great for women and their reproductive rights.” However, he has also expressed disapproval of stringent state laws, such as Florida’s six-week ban, which he has labeled a “terrible mistake.” He further articulated his desire for a more extended timeframe for abortion access, indicating during a September NBC News interview that six weeks is “too short.”

After facing backlash for his comments supporting an amendment that would protect abortion access in Florida, Trump retracted his endorsement, stating he would vote “no” on the measure that could otherwise uphold the six-week ban.

On the other hand, Kamala Harris has made reproductive rights central to her campaign. She accuses Trump and Republican leaders of implementing “Trump abortion bans” in the wake of Roe’s reversal, stressing that such restrictions are detrimental to women’s rights.

In her keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, Harris reiterated her commitment to restoring the federal right to abortion if elected. She framed the debate as a fight for freedom, emphasizing a woman’s right to make personal decisions regarding her body without government interference.

Harris promises that as president, she would never allow a national abortion ban while vowing to sign any bill restoring reproductive freedoms that Congress might pass.

Another emerging issue in the 2024 election is access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) services, particularly after a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling deemed frozen embryos as children. This critical decision threatens the availability of IVF treatments in Alabama and has heightened national discussions about fertility services and women’s health.

In response to these developments, Trump has introduced a plan requiring federal funding for IVF treatments or mandates insurance coverage for such services, which often carry exorbitant costs.

Conversely, Harris has attributed challenges surrounding fertility treatments to Trump and his administration’s policies, claiming that the Alabama ruling is a direct outcome of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe. She emphasizes the need to support family planning and women’s rights, citing stories of couples facing disruptions in their IVF treatments since Roe was overturned.