The political landscape surrounding abortion rights has intensified as the 2024 presidential race heats up, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Currently, 13 states enforce strict abortion bans with limited exceptions, while several others impose restrictions at six weeks or after 12 to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Many of these states are located in the Deep South, including key battlegrounds like Georgia and North Carolina.

Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a prominent advocate for abortion rights within the Biden administration. She aims to restore the federal right to abortion, protect access until fetal viability (around 23 to 24 weeks), and supports ending the Senate filibuster to secure federal protections for abortion. However, analysts note that achieving these goals may be challenging due to insufficient Senate support. Harris has actively engaged Latino voters on this issue, emphasizing that the government should not dictate personal decisions regarding abortion.

In contrast, former President Donald Trump has shifted his stance since 2016. While he initially advocated for a total ban on abortion and suggested punishment for women who undergo the procedure, he now opposes a national 15-week abortion ban and supports states' rights to regulate abortion access. Trump has also indicated openness to monitoring pregnancies in states with bans and restricting access to abortion pills. His campaign's Project 2025 calls for a nationwide abortion ban, reflecting the influence of former Trump administration officials.

The issue of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has also gained attention, particularly following a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling that classified frozen embryos as children. Harris supports legislation to protect IVF access, while Trump has stated he opposes limiting IVF and would require insurance coverage for fertility treatments, though he has not detailed how this would be funded.

Polling indicates that abortion remains a critical issue for voters, with 45% stating it will be a deciding factor in the upcoming election. Recent referendums in six states have shown strong support for abortion rights, even in traditionally conservative areas. As the election approaches, abortion rights are expected to be a central theme in campaign strategies, particularly in swing states where voter sentiment could significantly impact the outcome.