Vice President Kamala Harris made a significant visit to an abortion clinic in the Twin Cities on Thursday, emphasizing the need for trust in women’s choices and highlighting the escalating crisis in access to reproductive healthcare.
Her visit to the Planned Parenthood facility marked the first instance of a president or vice president visiting a clinic providing abortion services. It underscored the Biden administration’s commitment to making abortion access a central issue in the upcoming 2024 election.
As the nation’s first female vice president, Kamala Harris has emerged as a leading advocate in the White House for protecting abortion rights, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This decision, which ended a 50-year constitutional right to abortion, prompted several Republican-led states to enact laws restricting abortion access.
“In this current climate, the assaults on individuals’ right to make decisions about their own bodies are not just outrageous but also morally wrong. How can elected officials presume to know better than women what is in their best interest?” remarked Harris.
The visit was the final leg of Kamala Harris’ “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, which began in January and included stops in Wisconsin, California, Georgia, Michigan, and Arizona.
Minnesota, known for its broad access to abortion procedures, has become a refuge for individuals from states with restrictive abortion laws enacted since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Kamala Harris explained the purpose of her visit after touring the St. Paul Health Center – Vandalia, which remained operational during her presence: “I am here because our country is currently grappling with a serious health crisis that is affecting many people, most of whom suffer silently.”
The Biden campaign has consistently reminded women voters that it was former President Donald Trump’s appointments to the Supreme Court that led to the dismantling of Roe v. Wade.
Trump, the presumed Republican presidential nominee, expressed pride in the court’s decision during a Fox News town hall in January, stating that he “proudly” supported it. However, he later clarified his support for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and when the mother’s life is at risk.
Kamala Harris, addressing supporters at a campaign rally in St. Paul following her clinic visit, placed blame squarely on Trump: “He intended to strip away your freedoms, a decision he openly boasts about.”
Joining Harris at the abortion clinic were Minnesota’s Democratic governor, Tim Walz, and U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn.
Walz had previously signed legislation affirming the “fundamental right” to abortion in the state and eliminating the mandatory 24-hour waiting period.
Kamala Harris emphasized the broader healthcare services provided by clinics like Planned Parenthood, stating, “These facilities offer vital reproductive healthcare services, including addressing issues such as fibroids, breast cancer screenings, contraceptive care, and, of course, abortion care.”
She criticized states that have enacted laws leading to the closure of clinics, thereby denying women essential care within a reasonable distance. A large map displayed at the event showed the distribution of Planned Parenthood clinics across the organization’s five-state North Central region, with Minnesota having the most, while neighboring states like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska have significantly fewer.
Sarah Traxler, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States, highlighted the increased demand for services since the Roe v. Wade decision was overturned. She noted a 25% rise in abortions at the St. Paul clinic and a doubling of out-of-state patients.
“Accessing essential healthcare through travel can be daunting and challenging,” Traxler acknowledged.
While Biden faces challenges in convincing Americans of economic improvements, polls suggest that abortion rights remain a winning issue for Democrats in recent elections.
In his State of the Union address, Biden emphasized the power of women in influencing election outcomes, citing victories for reproductive freedom in past elections and predicting similar outcomes in the future.
Abortion clinics in the U.S. have often been targets of violent protests and bombings amid the decades-long battle over abortion rights.
Ahead of Harris’ speech, around two dozen protesters gathered outside the St. Paul Planned Parenthood, expressing opposition to abortion with signs and slogans. Police and Secret Service maintained a heavy presence in anticipation of the vice president’s arrival.
Among the protesters was Diana Halsey, who expressed disappointment with Kamala Harris’ visit, while Paige Robinson, a University of Minnesota student, expressed support for Kamala Harris and praised Minnesota’s pro-woman policies.
