The ongoing debate over abortion rights continues to shape the political landscape in the United States, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Currently, 13 states have implemented strict abortion bans with minimal exceptions, while four states enforce bans at six weeks and three others at 12 or 15 weeks. Many of these restrictions are concentrated in the Deep South, including key swing states 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 as 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 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's stance on abortion has evolved since his 2016 campaign. While he initially supported a complete ban and suggested punishment for women seeking abortions, he now opposes a national 15-week ban and advocates for states to regulate abortion access. Trump has also indicated support for monitoring pregnancies in states with bans and has expressed openness to restricting access to abortion pills. His Project 2025 initiative calls for a nationwide abortion ban, reflecting the influence of former 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 his opposition to limiting IVF and promises full insurance coverage for fertility treatments, although he has not detailed how this would be funded.

As the election approaches, abortion rights remain a pivotal issue for voters. Recent polls indicate that 45% of voters consider abortion a deciding factor in their electoral choices, with referendums on abortion rights set to appear on ballots in ten states this fall, including battlegrounds like Arizona and Nevada. The outcome of these votes could significantly influence the political dynamics surrounding reproductive rights in the coming years.