With the midterm elections just weeks away, reproductive rights are under a sustained assault. Anti-abortion lawmakers at both the state and federal levels are pushing to restrict access to mifepristone, a critical medication used in abortions and miscarriage care. The upcoming vote offers a prime opportunity to counter this trend—but the question is whether Democratic candidates are ready to seize it.
Once upon a time, Republicans for Choice held real sway within the GOP. Today, only two Republican senators claim to support abortion rights, and no House Republicans do. The group's fundraising tells the story: a mere $23,000 raised last year, with just $4,900 left in the bank. What was once a political force is now a punchline.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), who insists she is pro-choice, continues to defend her vote for Justice Brett Kavanaugh and other anti-abortion judges. At the state level, finding a Republican who backs legal abortion is nearly impossible—Vermont's Phil Scott might be the only one. This leaves Democrats as the sole viable option for voters who care about reproductive freedom.
Public opinion is overwhelmingly on the side of legal abortion. Polls show most Americans support access nationwide, with especially strong backing for first-trimester procedures. Moreover, one in four women will have an abortion in their lifetime—making this a deeply personal issue for millions. Yet, on the campaign trail, many Democrats shy away from even saying the word.
Take Texas, where state Rep. James Talarico (D) has voiced support for abortion rights as part of his freedom, family, and faith platform, but hasn't made it a centerpiece. His opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, has been aggressively attacking reproductive rights since Roe v. Wade fell. With the election near, Talarico's position should be front and center. Similarly, gubernatorial challenger Gina Hinojosa (D) spoke movingly about her own pregnancy loss but failed to connect it to the reality that her choice wouldn't be available in Texas today—leaving supporters confused and disappointed.
The evidence is clear: embracing abortion rights is a winning strategy. Ballot measures to expand access have passed overwhelmingly in state after state, and four more are on the ballot this November. Candidates who champion abortion access have seen electoral success. Yet, some Democratic leaders are still hesitating.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has a chance to prove her commitment by signing legislation that would shield state clinicians who provide mifepristone from federal interference. This bill is a direct response to the federal government's attacks on the drug. Hochul's action could set a powerful precedent.
But Democrats' timidity isn't new. After former President Trump appointed three anti-abortion justices, the Democrat-led House failed to codify Roe when they had the chance. And California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), despite his strong pro-choice record, vetoed a bill that would have protected telemedicine abortion access beyond his tenure. Even former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra's campaign hasn't made reproductive rights a top priority.
Now, as the midterm race tightens, Democrats must stop dancing around the issue. The youth vote, crucial to any wave, is particularly energized by abortion rights. Ignoring this issue risks alienating the very voters who could tip the balance. As governor's races and voting rules dominate headlines, reproductive freedom remains a core concern for millions.
It's time for Democrats to stop ceding ground to an anti-abortion minority that never rests. By making abortion rights a defining issue, they can mobilize voters and secure victories. As Julie F. Kay, a human rights attorney and co-author of "Controlling Women," argues, we must demand more from our leaders—because if we don't, they may not deliver when it counts.
