Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech in Atlanta this Friday, emphasizing her plan to protect reproductive rights.
Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Atlanta, Georgia on Sept. 20 to speak on reproductive freedoms and the impact of restrictive abortion laws throughout the states which have put limitations or “no-exception” bans on abortions completely.
Speaking to an engaged audience, she praised guest speaker, Dr. Keisha Reddick, for her courage in challenging “arcane and immoral laws,” and highlighting the importance of their collective fight in this year’s election.
“This election is a fight for the future and for freedom,” Harris said, reinforcing her idea that the fundamental right to decide on one’s body is essential.
“In America, freedom is not given; it’s ours by right,” Harris added, drawing applause from the crowd.
Harris sharply criticized former President Donald Trump, highlighting his role in shaping the current landscape of reproductive rights. She noted that Trump appointed Supreme Court justices with the explicit goal of overturning Roe v. Wade.
She then began to point out more than 20 states that have enacted restrictive abortion laws, which she referred to as “Trump abortion bans.” Many of these laws impose severe penalties on healthcare providers and lack exceptions for cases of rape and incest.
Vice President Harris also shared the story of Amber Nicole Thurman. Harris explained that Thurman, 28, was forced to seek an abortion out of state due to Georgia’s strict regulations, only to encounter further medical issues upon her return.
Her death was deemed “preventable” by medical professionals.
“Doctors have to wait until the patient is at death’s door before they take action,” Harris said, emphasizing the real human cost of such policies.
Vice President Harris continued to speak on the struggle women face under restrictive abortion laws, describing how some have been denied care during medical emergencies, including miscarriages. She expressed disgust at a system that forced doctors to delay treatment until a patient was critically ill.
“This is a healthcare crisis, and Donald Trump is the architect of this crisis,” she said, asserting her frustration and invoking the audience’s anger.
The vice president’s speech also addressed the emotional toll on families affected by these laws.
“Many women are made to feel as though they did something wrong,” Harris said, offering solidarity to those suffering in silence. “On behalf of what I believe we all say: We see you, and you are not alone.”
Harris concluded her address by urging the audience to mobilize for the upcoming election, reminding them of the significant stakes at play.
“This is not a partisan issue. The voice of the people has been heard and will be heard again,” she said, rallying supporters to fight for reproductive rights.
With less than 2 months until election day, Vice President Harris’s message resonated deeply with attendees, who expressed their commitment to advocating for women’s rights and healthcare access.
“When we fight, we win,” she affirmed, a sentiment chanted by an enthusiastic crowd.
As her speech came to a close, Vice President Harris encouraged attendees to remain engaged in the upcoming election, and the possible debate in October, and emphasized their voice’s importance in shaping future policies.