The Democratic Tsunami Is a “Sea Change” for Reproductive Rights

Democrats’ sweeping election gains have created a major opening for reproductive-rights advocates to pursue policy changes at both state and federal level. In states where abortion access has been sharply restricted, new Democratic leaders could repeal bans, strengthen legal protections and expand healthcare, while a larger congressional presence could put abortion rights back at the centre of national debate.

The article cites six new Democratic state trifectas and governorships, five new Democratic attorneys general and at least 545 additional state legislative seats. In Georgia, Democrats flipped the state House and won every statewide office on the ballot; Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms pledged to address maternal health, expand Medicaid and seek repeal of the state’s six-week abortion ban. In Congress, Democrats could pursue federal protections, restore healthcare funding and seek to end the Hyde Amendment, though President Trump could veto legislation.