Two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, abortion remains a central issue in U.S. politics. The backlash from the ruling that allows states to ban abortion shook up the 2022 midterms, and since then, voters have consistently backed abortion rights in ballot measures—even in traditionally conservative states like Ohio, Kentucky, and Kansas.

Now, with Election Day approaching, 10 states are set to vote on how abortion should be regulated. The result could overturn existing bans, or solidify protections.

So could reproductive rights be the issue that changes the course of the election?

In this episode, a doctor breaks down the procedure’s medical aspects and Ana Faguy, our BBC reporter in Washington, explains the high stakes of abortion rights in the presidential race.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Kevyah Cardoso and Hayley Clarke Editor: Verity Wilde