The aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade continues to shape the political landscape as the 2024 presidential race heats up, with abortion access emerging as a pivotal issue. Currently, 13 states have implemented strict abortion bans with minimal exceptions, while four states enforce bans at six weeks and three others restrict abortions after 12 or 15 weeks. The majority of these restrictions are concentrated in the Deep South, including key swing states like Georgia and North Carolina.

Vice President Kamala Harris has positioned herself as a leading advocate for abortion rights within the Biden administration. She aims to restore the federal right to abortion established under Roe v. Wade, protect access until fetal viability (around 23 to 24 weeks), and end the Senate filibuster to facilitate federal protections for abortion. However, analysts note that achieving the necessary Senate votes for these initiatives remains unlikely. In a recent town hall, Harris emphasized that the debate is not about changing individual beliefs on abortion but rather about preventing government interference in personal decisions.

In contrast, former President Donald Trump, who previously advocated for a total abortion ban and punishment for women seeking abortions, has shifted his stance. He has stated he would veto a proposed 15-week national abortion ban and supports allowing states to impose their own restrictions. Trump has also indicated that states with bans should monitor pregnancies and enforce violations, and he is open to limiting access to abortion pills like mifepristone. His Project 2025 initiative calls for a nationwide abortion ban, reflecting the ongoing tension within the Republican Party regarding abortion policy.

As both candidates navigate their positions on this contentious issue, it is clear that abortion rights will play a significant role in the upcoming election, influencing voter sentiment and potentially swaying outcomes in critical states.