As the U.S. approaches the 2024 elections, the stakes for women’s reproductive rights have never been higher. 

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 sent shockwaves through the nation, dismantling nearly five decades of federal protection for abortion rights. Now, as we stand at this crossroads, it is imperative that women and their allies recognize the 2024 elections as a crucial opportunity to advocate for the reinstatement of Roe v. Wade and the establishment of comprehensive abortion rights across all states.

The landscape of reproductive healthcare in America has become a patchwork of restrictions and protections, varying dramatically from state to state. This inconsistency not only creates confusion but also deepens existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting low-income women and women of color who may lack the resources to travel to states where abortion remains legal. The 2024 elections present a vital chance to address these disparities and work toward a more unified, equitable approach to reproductive healthcare.

At the federal level, the composition of Congress and the occupant of the White House will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of abortion rights. A president supportive of reproductive rights could nominate Supreme Court justices who might be inclined to revisit and potentially reinstate Roe v. Wade. Moreover, a Congress aligned with this vision could pass federal legislation to codify abortion rights, providing a more stable foundation than the previous court decision.

However, the battle for reproductive rights extends far beyond Washington D.C. 

State-level elections are equally critical. Governors, state legislators and attorneys general wield significant power in determining the accessibility of abortion within their borders. In states where abortion has been severely restricted or banned outright, pro-choice candidates have the potential to reverse these policies and protect women’s autonomy over their own bodies.

The importance of these elections cannot be overstated. The right to abortion is fundamentally a matter of healthcare, bodily autonomy and equality. Restricting access to safe, legal abortions does not prevent them from occurring — it only makes them more dangerous, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society. Furthermore, the inability to control one’s reproductive future has far-reaching consequences, affecting women’s educational opportunities, career trajectories and overall economic stability.

Advocates for reproductive rights must approach the 2024 elections with a clear strategy:

1. Voter education and mobilization: It is crucial to inform voters about candidates’ stances on abortion rights at all levels of government. This includes not only their stated positions but also their voting records and affiliations. Grassroots organizations and advocacy groups must work tirelessly to ensure that supporters of reproductive rights are registered to vote and turn out on election day.
2. Supporting pro-choice candidates: Financial support and volunteer efforts (like door knocking) for candidates who champion reproductive rights can make a significant difference, especially in closely contested races. This support should extend beyond high-profile national campaigns to include state and local elections that often have a more direct impact on abortion access.
3. Countering misinformation: The debate around abortion rights is often clouded by misinformation and emotional rhetoric. It is essential to promote factual, science-based information about reproductive healthcare and the real-world impacts of abortion restrictions.
4. Engaging men as allies: While abortion is often framed as a “women’s issue,” it affects entire communities. Engaging men as active allies in the fight for reproductive rights can help to shift cultural attitudes and build a more comprehensive base of support.
5. Emphasizing personal stories: Sharing personal experiences with abortion can help to destigmatize the procedure and illustrate the diverse circumstances under which women seek reproductive healthcare. These narratives can be powerful tools in changing hearts and minds.

The path to reinstating and strengthening abortion rights in the U.S. will not be easy. Opponents of reproductive freedom are well-organized and well-funded, and they view the current political climate as an opportunity to further restrict access to abortion. However, public opinion polls consistently show that a majority of Americans support legal abortion in at least some circumstances. The challenge lies in translating this support into political action and electoral outcomes.

It is also important to recognize that the fight for reproductive rights extends beyond abortion. 

Comprehensive sex education, access to contraception and support for maternal health are all crucial components of a holistic approach to reproductive healthcare. Advocates should push for candidates who support this broader vision of reproductive justice.

As we approach the 2024 elections, it is imperative that we view them not as a single event but as part of an ongoing struggle for equality and bodily autonomy. The outcomes of these elections will shape the legal and political landscape for years to come, potentially affecting the lives of millions of women across generations.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade was a stark reminder that progress is not inevitable and that hard-won rights can be lost. However, it has also galvanized a new generation of activists and reignited the passion of long-time advocates. The 2024 elections offer an opportunity to channel this energy into concrete political change.

For women and their allies, the message is clear: your vote matters, your voice matters and your rights are on the ballot. 

The time for complacency has passed. We must approach these elections with the urgency and determination that the moment demands. By doing so, we can work toward a future where reproductive rights are not just restored but strengthened and protected for generations to come.

The road ahead may be challenging, but the stakes are too high to stand idle. As we look toward November 2024, let us remember that the fight for reproductive rights is a fight for human rights, for equality and for the fundamental principle that every person should have control over their own body and future. 

It is a fight we cannot afford to lose.

Aashraya Seth is a Fulbright Humphrey International Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.