Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, Democratic lawmakers and reproductive rights advocates have followed a clear strategy: win a more progressive Democratic trifecta in 2024, eliminate the Senate filibuster, and pass comprehensive federal protections for abortion rights. This plan has been central to their approach, despite polls suggesting that full Democratic control might not be achievable. As a result, questions about potential backup strategies were largely dismissed, as they were viewed as premature or defeatist.
However, with Donald Trump’s return to political prominence and the Republicans set to control Congress, the focus has shifted. The GOP has shown some willingness to compromise on certain reproductive issues. Trump has expressed support for abortion exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother.
Several Republicans have also backed measures to mandate insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF). While some lawmakers have supported legislation for fertility treatments and contraception, reproductive rights organizations remain doubtful, arguing that any compromise would fail to address the fundamental right to make decisions about one’s body.
Reproductive Rights Advocates Resist Partial Protections, Push for Comprehensive Federal Abortion Protections Amid GOP Shift
Given this context, many reproductive rights organizations have resisted the idea of pursuing partial federal protections under a Republican-controlled Congress.
While issues like IVF and birth control have potential bipartisan appeal, groups argue that pursuing limited protections would only legitimize existing restrictions and undermine the broader fight for full reproductive rights. Instead, they are preparing for potential Republican-led attacks on reproductive freedom across all levels of government, viewing this period as one of defense rather than compromise.
Polling data indicates significant public support for protecting access to birth control and IVF, with majorities of Republicans and Democrats in favor of these issues. Despite this, advocacy groups have shown little interest in pushing for partial protections, fearing that it would weaken the larger struggle for comprehensive reproductive freedom. These groups are focusing on a longer-term strategy, one that seeks to restore full rights rather than settle for limited gains.
Some policy experts have suggested that Democrats and reproductive rights groups might benefit from pushing for votes on IVF or birth control bills, even if they offer only limited protections. Such moves could either secure new protections or expose Republican opposition.
Reproductive Rights Advocates Resist Partial Protections, Push for Comprehensive Federal Abortion Protections Amid GOP Shift
However, groups like Reproductive Freedom for All have rejected this strategy, arguing that Republicans have not demonstrated a serious commitment to addressing reproductive rights in a meaningful way. These groups remain focused on pushing for a comprehensive restoration of reproductive rights, believing that anything less would fall short of the necessary protections.
The issue of abortion exceptions, such as those in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother, is also a point of contention. While Trump and many Republicans support these exceptions, reproductive rights advocates argue that exceptions often fail to provide adequate protection in practice.
Real-world examples of patients being harmed despite the existence of exceptions have only reinforced the belief that engaging with these limited measures would validate the broader restrictions. Advocacy groups argue that the only way forward is a full restoration of reproductive rights, not incremental exceptions.
International examples of countries like Colombia, India, and Spain show that abortion exceptions can sometimes lead to broader reforms. However, U.S. reproductive rights organizations reject the idea of using exceptions as stepping stones, arguing that such compromises don’t address the root issue of access to full reproductive care. In states with restrictive abortion laws, exceptions have often proven to be inadequate, reinforcing the need for broader and more inclusive protections.
Looking ahead, reproductive rights groups are hopeful that public opinion will continue to shift as the consequences of state-level abortion bans become more evident. With millions of people living under restrictive laws, advocacy organizations believe that the ongoing harm caused by these bans will galvanize public support for federal protections.
Groups like Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity are focused on pushing for a bold, comprehensive vision of reproductive rights and are optimistic that future elections will lead to a shift that restores full access to reproductive health care.
