Harris and Trump’s limitations on abortion: the truth behind the lies
The claim that Donald Trump will ban abortion nationwide is the biggest lie circulating in the presidential election.
Abortion rights are not dependent on the president elected, whether Trump or Harris.
Furthermore, the control of Congress by a specific party does not determine abortion rights.
The issue of abortion lies in the hands of state legislators elected within individual states.
This was affirmed in the US Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.
As a pro-choice woman, I acknowledge that some voters are prioritizing concerns over inflation, border control, foreign policy, and other issues due to fears related to freedom of choice for themselves or their daughters.
It is crucial for voters to receive the truth, but Harris is spreading misinformation about abortion policies to gain support.
During a rally in Houston, Texas, last week featuring pop star Beyoncé, Harris increased fear by asserting that no one is protected from a Trump abortion ban even in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New York, or California.
This statement is completely false.
Instead of fact-checking, the media are allowing this misinformation to influence women into supporting Harris.
It is important to note that Trump has pledged to veto a national abortion ban.
However, it is not necessary to solely rely on his promise. Reading the US Constitution reveals that the authority over the health and welfare of residents lies with the states, not the federal government.
Efforts by Congress to implement a nationwide abortion ban would likely be deemed unconstitutional interference into state matters and overturned by the courts.
This includes proposed legislation like the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022 by Democrats.
Harris’ pledge to codify Roe v. Wade is also unlikely without a constitutional amendment.
The power to regulate healthcare matters has historically been the domain of states, as established by the US Supreme Court in past rulings.
Harris’ claims regarding national abortion bans and codifying Roe v. Wade are misinformed and unconvincing in light of legal realities.
It is crucial for pro-choice voters to understand that the focus on reproductive rights has shifted from Washington, DC to state capitals.
Ten states are addressing abortion measures in this November’s ballot.
Support for increased access to abortion procedures, such as seen in Florida’s measure, can coexist with voting for Trump knowing that the president lacks the authority to affect such decisions.
The next challenge revolves around access to the abortion pill mifepristone, with ongoing legal battles in states like Missouri, Kansas, and Idaho.
Trump’s stance on leaving decisions to the states aligns with the legal reality that such matters are within state jurisdiction.
Instead of utilizing scare tactics, Harris would benefit from reevaluating her understanding of the US Constitution.
Betsy McCaughey is a former lieutenant governor of New York and co-founder of the Committee to Save Our City.
