Kamala Harris Empowers the Fight for Reproductive Freedoms in Wisconsin
In a lively start to her nationwide “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, Vice President Kamala Harris passionately advocated for women’s rights in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. This momentous occasion coincided with the 51st anniversary of the groundbreaking Roe v. Wade decision, making it an emotionally charged event in a state pivotal to President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Waukesha County, Harris, the first woman vice president, addressed a diverse audience, making a strong case for the protection of reproductive freedom. The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson ruling in 2022 added urgency to Harris’s message. Standing alongside Wisconsin’s Sen. Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Harris delivered a compelling half-hour speech, emphasizing the essence of personal freedom.
“In America, freedom is not a gift or privilege; it is our inherent right,” Harris declared. She stressed the importance of individuals making decisions about their bodies without government interference.
Reflecting on the historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, Harris reminded the audience of its acknowledgment of the fundamental constitutional right to reproductive freedom. Expressing concern about the current erosion of these rights, she criticized state-level attempts to limit women’s access to abortion-related healthcare, calling it a “healthcare crisis.”
BIG BEND, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 22: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to guests during a rally at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 7 facility on January 22, 2024 in Big Bend, Wisconsin. The rally was the first of a nationwide Fight For Reproductive Freedoms tour. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Harris addressed the moral dimension, condemning government interference in a woman’s choices, especially in cases of rape-induced pregnancies. She urged unity, stating, “You don’t have to abandon your faith or beliefs to agree that the government should not dictate what you do with your body.”
Using real-world examples, Harris highlighted recent cases where abortion was medically necessary and criticized attempts to roll back reproductive rights. She shed light on extremists invoking a law from 1849 to hinder abortion in Wisconsin, stressing the urgent need to protect women’s healthcare decisions. Blaming former President Donald Trump for appointing three Supreme Court justices with the intent of restricting freedoms, Harris warned of ongoing efforts in Congress to pass a national abortion ban. She reassured the crowd that President Biden is committed to vetoing any such legislation. Concluding her address, Harris affirmed the administration’s dedication to safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of women. Her visit coincided with an abortion rights task force meeting at the White House, underscoring the gravity of the issue.
In her closing remarks, Harris spoke optimistically about the support for abortion rights among U.S. voters, declaring, “Momentum is on our side. We are winning. Every time reproductive freedom has been on the ballot, they have voted for freedom.”
In Waukesha County, amidst the fall breeze, Kamala Harris sparked enthusiasm for reproductive freedoms, delivering a message that resonates beyond politics and urging the nation to protect the rights of women.
