(FeaturedHeadlines.com) The issue of abortion has been at the forefront of the 2024 presidential race and congressional elections in the United States, following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling in 2022. Lawmakers have since sought ways to push back on the court’s decision, including Democratic US Senator Tina Smith, who introduced legislation to bolster access to abortion by repealing restrictions on sending abortion pills through the mail.
Smith’s bill would repeal a law that prohibits the distribution of abortion medication by mail. The legislation seeks to reinforce the Biden administration’s attempts to avoid enforcement of the law.
The US Justice Department said in January 2023 that the provision does not restrict the delivery of abortion pills through the mail for lawful use by the recipient. On June 13, 2024, the US Supreme Court rejected a challenge related to the administration’s abortion pill policy, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing.
Nevertheless, it is “dangerous” to leave the law on the books, Smith said in a statement. Donald Trump’s administration could use the law to restrict access to abortion if he retakes the White House, Smith said.
Democratic US Congresswoman Becca Balint introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. The legislation is backed by groups including the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the American Civil Liberties Union.
During the first presidential debate between Trump and Joe Biden, the two candidates clashed over their views on abortion. Biden highlighted his support for abortion access, whereas Trump accused him of enabling late-term abortions with his position.
Trump reiterated his stance on leaving the issue of abortion up to state authorities. Trump also said that he would not block access to the abortion pill mifepristone.
The issue of abortion continues to play out in the courts, at the ballot box, and in Congress. It appears as though the matter is far from settled in the United States, where opinions on the issue are complex and divided.
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