During his recent State of the Union address, President Joe Biden took a firm stance against the wave of right-wing attacks on reproductive rights, particularly focusing on abortion, contraception, and fertility care.
In a pointed critique of Republican-led abortion bans, Biden used his platform to advocate for the restoration of Roe v. Wade. This landmark Supreme Court decision legalized abortion in the United States.
Biden (Credits: ABC News)
The president highlighted the story of Kate Cox, a Texas woman who was compelled to seek emergency abortion care out of state after being denied the procedure under Texas’ stringent abortion ban. Cox, whose fetus had a fatal condition, was accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden to the State of the Union address as a guest of honor.
Biden criticized the actions of states that have enacted severe restrictions on abortion, including bans on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. He warned against the growing trend of politicians promising to pass national bans on reproductive freedom, calling into question the erosion of fundamental rights.
In contrast to these restrictive measures, Biden pledged to fight for the restoration of Roe v. Wade if Congress supports the right to choose.
This commitment was met with praise from advocacy groups such as Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Reproductive Rights for All, who commended the president for prioritizing reproductive rights in his address.
Since taking office, Biden has consistently supported a woman’s right to choose, advocating for access to abortion and reproductive health care. He has condemned the obstacles faced by women seeking reproductive care, including having to travel long distances or navigate legal challenges.
The Biden administration has also defended the FDA’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone, which is used in more than half of abortions nationwide. However, the
Biden (Credits: AP News)
Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could threaten the availability of mifepristone, with conservative groups seeking to revoke its approval.
Biden’s likely opponent in the upcoming election, Donald Trump, has repeatedly touted his role in appointing justices who overturned Roe V. Wade. Trump’s reelection could further endanger reproductive freedom, as his administration has outlined plans to restrict access to abortion through various means.
While some reproductive rights advocates praised Biden’s speech, others expressed disappointment that he did not use the word “abortion” during his address. They argued that avoiding the term could perpetuate stigma around the issue.
Biden campaign officials dismissed these criticisms, emphasizing the clear contrast between Biden and Trump on reproductive rights. They highlighted Trump’s history of using derogatory language towards women and his intent to institute a national abortion ban if reelected, framing the choice in the election as a crucial one for reproductive rights.
