Ms. Harris is a strong advocate for women’s reproductive rights. Amidst recent challenges to Roe v. Wade, she is determined to enshrine its protections in federal law.
“When I am president of the United States, I will sign a law restoring and protecting reproductive freedom in every state,” she declared in July. Achieving this goal would require both Democratic majorities in Congress and 50 senators willing to eliminate the filibuster, which currently hinders the passage of such legislation.
Ms. Harris has voiced her commitment to a law that mirrors Roe v. Wade, with provisions similar to those outlined in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. She emphasizes the importance of protecting abortion rights up to the point where a fetus can survive outside the womb.
As a senator, Ms. Harris sponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act, which aimed to eliminate certain state-level restrictions on abortion. Her continued support for this legislation reflects her unwavering dedication to reproductive rights.
Additionally, Ms. Harris has proposed the idea of subjecting states with a history of restricting abortion rights to federal approval for new abortion laws. While currently a moot point without congressional action to codify Roe v. Wade, this concept underscores her proactive approach to safeguarding women’s reproductive freedoms.
In the absence of legislative support for codifying Roe v. Wade, the Biden administration has taken administrative steps to counter state-level abortion bans. Ms. Harris has shown her support for these actions, illustrating her commitment to protecting women’s reproductive rights.
Furthermore, efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to reinforce obligations for performing abortions in emergency situations and to safeguard abortion patients’ medical records highlight the ongoing push to uphold women’s access to vital reproductive healthcare services.
