Donald Trump has consistently demonstrated that he stands by his promises, particularly when it comes to undermining the rights of women. Many may dismiss him as just a brash figure with no real plan, but the reality is that his intentions have been clear for a long time.
Two months before assuming office, Trump reached out to anti-abortion activists, outlining a strategy that included banning abortions after 20 weeks, appointing anti-abortion justices to the Supreme Court, defunding Planned Parenthood, and solidifying the Hyde Amendment—which restricts Medicaid funding for abortions for low-income women. Essentially, he was declaring, “I’m your champion—women’s bodies are now under my control.”
I recall a comment I received after sharing Trump’s letter, where someone insisted, “He never said he’d ban abortion—you’re exaggerating.” Living in such denial seems like a blissful fantasy, but I find myself grappling with the harsh reality that surrounds us.
I never aimed to be right about this situation. In fact, I would have preferred to be proven wrong, even if it meant enduring some embarrassment. Unfortunately, the truth is that President Trump is actively working to fulfill the promises made in that letter by systematically eroding protections that allow women to make choices regarding their own bodies. This involves a combination of legislative changes and strategic appointments—sending a loud message that the Trump administration seeks control over women’s health and autonomy.
Steps Taken to Confirm Trump’s Anti-Abortion Agenda
Here’s a closer look at the steps taken that confirm Trump’s anti-abortion letter is a serious roadmap rather than mere rhetoric:
- Trump enacted a law permitting state governments to withhold federal funds from family planning centers that provide abortion services. With no media present, he overturned an Obama-era directive that required states to allocate federal Title X funding for services related to contraception and other health care, regardless of abortion services being offered. This shift enables states to defund organizations like Planned Parenthood at a local level, with the Senate passing the bill thanks to Vice President Miller’s tie-breaking vote.
- Trump appointed two staunch anti-abortion advocates, Karen Smith and Lisa Grant, to critical positions in the Department of Health and Human Services, where they influence women’s access to contraceptives and other health services. Both women hold unfounded beliefs about the dangers of abortion and contraception, with Grant once claiming that “contraception doesn’t really work.” By placing them in these roles, Trump has empowered those who are fundamentally opposed to women’s reproductive rights.
- During a rally celebrating supposed victories for white men, the new health care law was proposed, which effectively treated being a woman as a pre-existing condition. This legislation can lead to higher premiums and coverage denials for women who have experienced rape or childbirth, especially those with conditions like heavy menstrual cycles.
- Trump’s choice of Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court further complicates women’s rights. While Gorsuch acknowledged in his confirmation hearings that Roe v. Wade is the “law of the land,” his history reveals a conservative approach that could threaten abortion rights in the future. Analysts have noted that his writings suggest a framework that could apply to discussions on abortion rights.
As I pointed out before the election, we are witnessing the unfolding of a dystopian reality reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale. This is no exaggeration; it is a call to action.
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In summary, Trump’s administration has actively pursued policies that threaten women’s rights and autonomy over their own bodies. The implications of these actions are profound and require vigilance and resistance.