Two years after leaked draft, abortion continues to dominate US politics

In a potential second term for former President Donald Trump, the landscape for reproductive rights in the United States could see significant changes. Despite his current stance on abortion, Trump’s history as a president who aligned closely with the anti-abortion movement suggests that he could take drastic measures to restrict access to the procedure if reelected.

During his previous term, Trump implemented policies that cut off federal funds to health clinics that referred patients for abortion services, barred pregnant teenagers in immigration custody from getting abortions, and attended the March for Life, the nation’s largest anti-abortion rally. These actions earned him credibility with evangelical leaders and anti-abortion groups, positioning him as a key ally in the fight against abortion rights.

If reelected, Trump could use his executive powers to curtail access to abortion, including potentially forcing the FDA to remove mifepristone, a key medication used in abortions, from the market. This move would have far-reaching implications for abortion access in all states, even where the procedure is legal.

Additionally, Trump’s administration could seek to enforce the Comstock Act, an 1873 law that prohibits mailing abortion medications, and restrict access to birth control under the guise of preventing abortions. These proposed actions would clash with the views of most Americans, including a growing share of Republican voters, who oppose restrictions on medication abortions and access to birth control.

As the debate over reproductive rights continues to evolve, the potential for a second Trump administration raises concerns about the future of abortion access in the United States. With public opinion shifting on these issues, the impact of such policies on voters and the broader political landscape remains to be seen.