It was a shock to nobody that Joe Biden would choose a running mate in line with the party platform on abortion. But Sen. Kamala Harris is not merely pro-abortion. Then again, neither is the party platform.
The 2016 Democratic Party platform called for repealing the Hyde Amendment, which means making taxpayers fund elective abortions. The party has again embraced this position. It is worth noting that a majority opposes taxpayer-funded abortions.
When it comes to third trimester abortions, which are championed by Harris and the Democratic Party, large majorities support making the procedure illegal. This includes Democrats and those who self-identify as pro-abortion. Such views have been analyzed by Gallup and reported on by multiple outlets.
This concern is echoed by Democrats for Life of America. In a statement, the organization mentioned in part that “Kamala Harris’s selection as our party’s VP nominee does not provide pro-life Democrats with any assurances and will, in fact, further alienate 21 million Democratic voters. They have been left out of the party for quite some time. Her support for abortion without almost any restrictions is far out of line with the majority of Democrats and Americans on this sensitive issue.”
Harris’s actions prove her stance on abortion. As California’s attorney general, Harris was instrumental in the Reproductive FACT Act, which would have required anti-abortion pregnancy centers to disseminate notices to clients that “California has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services (including all FDA-approved methods of contraception), prenatal care, and abortion for eligible women. To determine whether you qualify, contact the county social services office at [insert the telephone number].” Violators faced fines.
Forcing these centers to advertise abortion compels them to participate in pro-abortion speech. The law inevitably was challenged in court. In the 2018 case of NIFLA v. Becerra, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled by 5-4 that the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates would likely succeed on the claim that the FACT Act violated the First Amendment.
As a senator on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Harris has had many memorable moments questioning judicial nominees. This notably applies to such nominees who happen to be anti-abortion and Catholic. Harris asked now-Judge Brian Buescher about his role in the Knights of Columbus, a charitable organization. “Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed a woman’s right to choose when you joined the organization?” she asked. “Have you ever, in any way, assisted with or contributed to advocacy against women’s reproductive rights?”
How dare Buescher be a part of a fraternal organization that upholds the Catholic Church’s teaching on abortion. If it were up to Harris, Buescher and anyone like him wouldn’t be fit to serve on the bench.
When running for president, Harris communicated a position that should be alarming to any supporter of federalism. Through her Department of Justice, certain states would have to obtain pre-clearance before enacting anti-abortion laws.
With how both her words and actions speak loudly, Harris would surely expect to be involved in abortion policy as vice president. This would likely include being consulted on judicial nominees. Harris would also be called upon to cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
Harris might become president herself if she and Biden are elected. Make no mistake. Harris would do what she could to force the promotion of abortion and muzzle those against it. This should be alarming to all regardless of their views on the issue.
Rebecca Downs is a writer living in the Washington area.
