Harris Cautions on Conservative SC Justices Threatening Fundamental Freedoms, Particularly Abortion Rights

During a recent interview with the New York Times, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed concerns about the Supreme Court’s conservative justices, warning that they pose a threat to “fundamental freedoms across the board”. She stopped short of specifying which legal precedents could potentially be overturned, fearing accusations of “alarmism”. Harris has prioritized abortion as a key issue during her campaign following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. She stated, “This court has made it very clear that they are willing to undo recognized rights”, referencing Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion in the Dobbs decision, where Thomas suggested the court should review previous rulings on contraception and gay marriage. Harris accused former President Donald Trump, who is now running against her in the upcoming presidential election, of attempting to deceive the public regarding his stance on abortion. She remarked, “I think the American people recognize when they’re being gaslit and have the ability to decipher beyond the charade”. Harris also criticized the Supreme Court during an interview with talk show host Drew Barrymore, accusing them of taking away a constitutional right that had been previously recognized by women. She argued, “How dare they? Think of the notion that some person sitting in some state legislature believes, mostly, that he is in a better position than you to know what’s in your best interest. One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling her what to do with her body”. In Missouri, Republicans have attempted to prevent Medicaid funding from being allocated towards Planned Parenthood clinics due to their connection with abortion, despite the fact that the organization no longer provides abortions in Missouri. This policy has persisted even after a state law banning most abortions came into force following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022.