As the 2024 presidential election approaches, abortion rights remain a critical issue for women across the United States. This is the first election since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which ended the national right to abortion access. With Kamala Harris and Donald Trump leading the polls for their respective parties, the gender divide is stark. Harris shows a significant lead among women voters, while Trump holds an advantage with men.
The BBC spoke to women from various states and political backgrounds to explore how the issue of abortion is influencing their votes and their perspectives on each candidate.
Michelle Allen, 38, Arizona
Michelle, a quality engineer and registered Republican, is voting for Kamala Harris despite her party affiliation. For her, women’s healthcare is paramount. “I work in the medical sector and was personally affected by the Roe v. Wade overturn, which impacted access to essential medications,” she explained. “The Republican stance is supposed to be about small government and personal freedom, but it feels contradictory when it comes to women’s bodies.”
Tracey Sorrell, 53, Texas
A nurse practitioner and Trump supporter, Tracey remains firm in her decision to vote for Trump, focusing on policy over personality. “As a NICU nurse, I care deeply about women’s health, but Harris’s stance on unrestricted abortion is a concern for me,” she shared. “For me, voting is about policy, not personality.”
Feana Nevel, 38, Illinois
A Democrat, Feana plans to vote for Harris. She voiced concerns about the current state of reproductive rights in the U.S. “Harris, as a woman of color, has an innate understanding of why this issue is critical,” Feana said. “Trump’s attempts to address it have been disappointing.”
Karen Comeau, 63, Illinois
Karen, a library assistant, is undecided and considering a write-in candidate. While she acknowledges Harris’s experience, she also appreciates Trump’s policies while he was in office. “It’s great that a woman is a serious candidate, but Harris’s views don’t fully align with mine,” she noted.
Angela Richardson, 27, Iowa
Angela, a Democrat and graduate student, expressed her support for Harris but has mixed feelings about both candidates’ approaches to abortion. “I want to celebrate a woman of color in office, but both candidates fall short on key issues,” she said. “Women’s rights extend beyond abortion access.”
Ursula Duebel, 72, California
A retired Republican, Ursula supports Trump but also holds pro-choice views within certain limits. “Trump’s approach of leaving abortion legislation to the states makes sense to me,” she explained. “Harris doesn’t offer much beyond the abortion issue.”
Abigail Burke, 38, Florida
An independent voter, Abigail supports Harris, largely because of reproductive rights. “Living in Florida, where abortion rights are on the ballot, this issue matters deeply,” she said. “Our government lags behind on representation.”
Catherine Estes, 49, Georgia
A left-leaning independent with Catholic beliefs, Catherine feels conflicted and isn’t supporting either candidate. “Harris’s stance on abortion doesn’t align with my faith, but Trump’s rhetoric is also problematic,” she stated.
Susana Rodriguez, 65, Texas
Susana, a retired Biden supporter, fears losing rights for her granddaughter’s generation. “Abortion is personal and between a woman and her doctor,” she argued. “The idea of going backward is terrifying.”
Election Perspectives from Women Voters
As election day nears, women’s voices on abortion and reproductive rights reveal a spectrum of perspectives shaping the 2024 race. From health impacts and policy positions to personal values, each woman’s story highlights the complex intersection of gender, healthcare, and policy in modern American politics.
