The first presidential debate between Vice-President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump brought the issue of abortion to the forefront. The political matchup included a heated exchange between the candidates. While the back-and-forth may have been intense, it was also full of misinformation. Black women deserve clarity on these critical issues surrounding the myths and truths about abortion.
Claim: Democrats Support “Execution After Birth”
In one of his most shocking statements, Donald Trump repeated the claim that Democrats, including former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, support “execution after birth.” According to Trump, certain Democrats are so radical that they advocate for killing infants after they are born. He tied this false claim to his decision to roll back abortion rights, portraying Democrats as extremists.
The Facts:
This claim is false and has been debunked time and again. No Democrats, including Northam, have advocated for infanticide. What Northam actually discussed during a 2019 radio interview was a scenario involving infants born with severe deformities or in nonviable pregnancies. These were cases where the family and their medical team would make the decision to resuscitate the baby. This type of medical conversation is not an endorsement of infanticide; rather, it’s about supporting families through devastating health situations.
Late-term abortions, which Trump often referred to, are extremely rare. According to the CDC, only 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks, and they are typically due to serious medical complications. It’s critical to remember that infanticide is illegal in all 50 states.
Claim: Overturning Roe v. Wade “Gave Power Back to the States”
Trump took credit for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stating that it was a “courageous” move that returned the issue of abortion to the states, which he claims is what most Americans wanted.
The Facts
While it’s true that the decision to overturn Roe returned abortion laws to state control, the majority of Americans did not support this decision. According to the PEW Research Center, more than 60% of Americans opposed the overturning of Roe and support abortion rights, including in traditionally conservative states.
Many Americans are now grappling with harsh restrictions in their home states, forcing them to travel long distances or seek dangerous alternatives.
Claim: Democrats Support Abortions “Up to the Ninth Month”
Another common myth that resurfaced during the debate is the idea that Democrats support abortion “up to the ninth month” or even “on the final day.” This image has been used in past elections to sway public opinion against abortion rights.
The Facts
Late-term abortions are not what is described. The vast majority of abortions occur within the first trimester. Abortions after 21 weeks (often called “late-term” abortions) are incredibly rare. These procedures account for less than 1% of abortions. They are usually the result of severe medical conditions affecting either the mother or fetus. To suggest that healthy pregnancies are being terminated at nine months is not only misleading, it’s simply not true.
Medical experts and organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have long explained that these cases are driven by urgent health concerns.
Defense of Abortion Rights
Vice President Kamala Harris passionately defended a woman’s right to choose during the debate, saying that “the government, and Donald Trump, certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.”
She highlighted the gut-wrenching decisions women face when dealing with medical complications, miscarriages, or pregnancies resulting from rape and incest.
The Facts
Harris’s statements reflect the reality for many women across the country. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, stories have emerged of women suffering from pregnancy complications, unable to receive necessary medical care due to restrictive abortion laws. Harris referenced the case of Jaci Statton, a woman in Oklahoma who was denied care for a nonviable pregnancy and told to wait until she was “crashing” in the parking lot.
What’s at Stake for Black Women?
Black women in particular face unique challenges when it comes to reproductive health. They are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy, and less likely to have access to comprehensive healthcare. That includes abortion services. The misinformation spread about abortion during debates like this can cloud the understanding of the issue. It makes it harder to advocate for your own health and well-being.
Understanding the facts, and cutting through the noise, is essential as we navigate a post-Roe v. Wade world where women’s rights are constantly under threat.
The truth is, the vast majority of abortions are safe. Most occur early in pregnancy, and are made for a variety of reasons. Politicians continue to push inflammatory rhetoric, but it’s essential that to recognize the difference between fact and fiction.