The Darkest Day for Women in the US? Four More Years of Trump and His Troublesome Stance on Abortion Rights
Published Nov 6, 2024, 1:17 PM
United States Election Year 2024: Implications of Another Trump Presidency for Women Nationwide
In a shocking and crushing turn of events, former President Donald J. Trump has captured the presidency again, winning key battleground states and securing around 277 votes in the Electoral College. The political landscape is as grim as ever, with many women fearing the second Trump term could plunge the US into one of its most perilous periods for reproductive rights.
The jubilant victory speech that followed was met with acknowledgements from world leaders, solidifying Trump's position as the next Commander-in-Chief. It's a harsh reality to swallow, but there's no denying it.
The news has left many people shattered: Trump's administration stood for misinformation, erosion of LGBTQAI rights, attempts to overturn elections, inciting a Capitol insurrection, and, of course, his controversial stance on abortion rights. Truth be told, he's a contemptible man.
Abortion rights, in particular, emerged as a defining issue in this election, following the reversal of Roe v. Wade during Joe Biden's term, which seemed to clear the path for the first female president. But alas, that's not the case now. In light of this, we're breaking down what a second Trump term could mean for people with uteruses.
What Can We Expect for Abortion Rights During a Second Trump Term?
Although Trump initially basked in the glory of his role in overturning Roe v. Wade, he's recently toned down his rhetoric, found greater support for legal abortion in polls, and even raised his voice against Republican assaults on in-vitro fertilization (IVF). He even promised to make these procedures government-funded or covered by insurance, should he return to the White House.
However, Trump has consistently refused to disclose whether he would veto a national ban if one came across his desk. And such a ban is improbable unless the Republicans secure significant majorities in both chambers of Congress.
In the same vein, long-held GOP plans to limit access to birth control for women across the US are contingent upon approval in both legislative arenas. Trump's recent stance on birth control is murky; with him at the helm, discussions about new restrictions are bound to surface.
It's critical to understand that reproductive rights will be under significantly more threat during a Trump administration than a Kamala Harris administration.
Reproductive rights advocates, medical professionals, and politicians have repeatedly issued warnings about how abortion restrictions can obstruct medical care, even in life-or-death situations. We all remember Trump getting an earful from Hillary Clinton about the sudden spike in pregnant women being denied ER care, right?
Well, in essential women's healthcare, the future looks uncertain once more.
During Clinton's campaign, she cautioned over and over that Trump was a misogynist with little regard for the American people and no respect for women or their constitutional rights and needs. And now, given that the next President of the United States is a man found liable for sexual abuse, it seems Hillary was right on the mark.
Was Abortion on the Ballot on Election Day?
Besides the man hell-bent on preventing a female president for the second time, what else should we worry about?
Americans in 10 states voted on whether to enshrine the right to abortion in their state constitutions on Tuesday, 5 November. So far, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, New York, Maryland, and Missouri have voted in favor of protection, while South Dakota, Florida, and Nebraska have voted against. The results for Montana remain unknown.
Though it's a ray of hope for many women living in these states, whose right to choose has been threatened by limited access to abortion, an uncertain future lies ahead.
What's Next?
We're facing four more years fraught with potential misinformation, misogynistic and racist rhetoric, maybe even another impeachment. Sure, there will be glimmers of progress in some states, but for those bracing themselves for another Trump term, it's a cocktail of uncertainty, frustration, and anxiety. Time to process this news, maybe pour a drink, or two.
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- The second Trump term may pose significant challenges for health-and-wellness, particularly women's health, as concerns over abortion rights persist.
- Despite Trump's recent shift on abortion and in-vitro fertilization, his stance on vetoing a national ban remains unclear, and reproductive rights could face increased threat during his administration.
