The Stakes for Abortion Rights, from the Head of Planned Parenthood
Digest
This podcast delves into the political landscape surrounding abortion rights in the 2024 election, featuring an interview with Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood. The episode discusses Planned Parenthood's $40 million investment in the election, the human cost of the Dobbs decision, and the potential impact of a Trump administration on abortion access. It emphasizes the importance of understanding American politics, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election, and promotes The New Yorker's in-depth reporting and analysis on the campaign. The episode also explores the significance of normalizing elective abortion as a fundamental aspect of freedom and choice, highlighting the importance of recognizing that most people seeking abortion access are already parents and make these decisions based on their life plans. The podcast examines Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on abortion rights and her role as a vocal advocate for the issue, highlighting her commitment to the cause, her lived experiences, and her efforts to advance reproductive healthcare. The episode discusses the long-term strategy for securing reproductive freedom, emphasizing the need for a governing majority and federal legislation. It acknowledges the potential for disappointment but stresses the importance of continued vigilance and activism. Finally, the podcast explores the potential impact of a Trump administration on abortion access, highlighting the dangers posed by Project 2025, a plan to restrict abortion rights through various means, including the Comstock Law and the creation of a database to monitor pregnant people.
Outlines
The Stakes of the 2024 Election: Abortion Rights and the Future of Planned Parenthood
This chapter delves into the political landscape surrounding abortion rights in the 2024 election. It features an interview with Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, who discusses the organization's $40 million investment in the election, the human cost of the Dobbs decision, and the potential impact of a Trump administration on abortion access.
The New Yorker Radio Hour: A Deep Dive into American Politics
This chapter highlights the importance of understanding American politics, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election. It promotes The New Yorker's in-depth reporting and analysis by renowned writers and political thinkers, offering a unique perspective on the campaign.
Normalizing Elective Abortion: A Conversation on Freedom and Choice
This chapter explores the significance of normalizing elective abortion as a fundamental aspect of freedom and choice. Alexis McGill Johnson emphasizes the importance of recognizing that most people seeking abortion access are already parents and make these decisions based on their life plans.
Securing Reproductive Freedom: A Long-Term Strategy
This chapter discusses the long-term strategy for securing reproductive freedom, emphasizing the need for a governing majority and federal legislation. It acknowledges the potential for disappointment but stresses the importance of continued vigilance and activism.
Keywords
Dobbs Decision
The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, effectively ending the constitutional right to abortion in the United States.
Comstock Law
A 19th-century law that prohibits the distribution of obscene materials through the mail. The Trump administration's Project 2025 proposes using this law to restrict access to abortion medication.
Mythoprystone
A medication used for medical abortion, which accounts for a significant portion of abortions in the United States. The Trump administration's Project 2025 aims to restrict access to this medication.
Maternal Mortality
The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy. Maternal mortality rates have been rising in the United States, particularly among Black women.
Reproductive Freedom
The right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and reproductive health, including access to contraception, abortion, and prenatal care.
Elective Abortion
An abortion that is performed for reasons other than a medical emergency or to save the life of the pregnant person. This term is often used to distinguish from abortions performed due to medical necessity.
Project 2025
A 900-page plan outlining the Trump administration's agenda for the next four years, which includes a focus on restricting abortion rights and promoting a \"culture of life.\"
Trifecta
A political situation in which one party controls the presidency, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. This would give the Democrats a strong position to pass legislation, including federal protections for abortion rights.
Q&A
What is Planned Parenthood's strategy for the 2024 election, and how much are they investing?
Planned Parenthood is spending $40 million to support candidates who will fight for reproductive freedom and to ensure that a future president has a reproductive freedom majority in Congress.
What are the potential consequences of a Trump administration on abortion access?
A Trump administration could implement Project 2025, which aims to restrict abortion access through various means, including the Comstock Law and the creation of a database to monitor pregnant people.
How does Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on abortion rights differ from President Biden's?
While both Biden and Harris support abortion rights, Harris has been a more vocal and active advocate for the issue, traveling the country to meet with legislators, providers, and patients to understand the impact of the Dobbs decision.
What is the long-term strategy for securing reproductive freedom?
The long-term strategy involves securing a governing majority in Congress and passing federal legislation to protect abortion rights. This will require continued vigilance and activism at the state and national levels.
Show Notes
If Vice-President Kamala Harris wins in November, it will likely be on the strength of the pro-choice vote, which has been turning out strongly in recent elections. Her statements and choices on the campaign trail couldn’t stand in starker relief against those of Donald Trump and his running mate, J. D. Vance, who recently called for defunding Planned Parenthood. Meanwhile, Harris “is the first sitting Vice-President or President to come to a Planned Parenthood health center, to come to an abortion clinic, and really understand the conversations that have been happening on the ground,” Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood’s president and C.E.O., told David Remnick. The organization is spending upward of $40 million in this election to try to secure abortion rights in Congress and in the White House. A second Trump term, she speculates, could bring a ban on mifepristone and a “pregnancy czar” overseeing women in a federal Department of Life. “Is that scary enough for you?” Johnson asks.
Table of contents
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