The landscape of abortion rights in the United States remains contentious following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade two years ago. Currently, 13 states enforce strict abortion bans with minimal exceptions, while four states impose bans at six weeks and three others at 12 or 15 weeks. Many of these restrictions are concentrated in the Deep South, including pivotal 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 the likelihood of securing enough Senate votes for such measures is slim. In a recent town hall, Harris emphasized that while some individuals may oppose abortion, the government should not dictate personal choices regarding reproductive health.

In contrast, former President Donald Trump's stance on abortion has evolved since his 2016 campaign, where he advocated for a national ban and suggested punishment for women seeking abortions. Currently, Trump has stated he would veto a 15-week national abortion ban and supports allowing states to impose their own restrictions. He has also indicated openness to monitoring pregnancies and prosecuting violations in states with bans, as well as restricting access to abortion pills like mifepristone. His Project 2025 initiative calls for a nationwide abortion ban, reflecting the views of many 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 a Senate bill aimed at protecting access to IVF, while Trump has expressed opposition to limiting IVF and has promised full insurance coverage for fertility treatments, though specifics on implementation remain vague.

As the election approaches, abortion rights are expected to be 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 appearing on ballots in ten states this fall, including key battlegrounds like Arizona and Nevada. This ongoing debate underscores the significant role reproductive rights will play in shaping the political landscape in the upcoming election cycle.