The Daily

Why the Left Is Losing on Abortion

Oct 12, 2020

Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, dives into the shifting landscape of abortion rights and the complacency among advocates. She discusses how many in leadership have taken Roe v. Wade for granted and the need for a more vigorous defense against conservative attacks. Hogue shares insights on the necessity of strategic mobilization, especially in red states, and highlights grassroots efforts pushing for cultural change. With the nomination of justices like Amy Coney Barrett, she stresses the critical importance of continued advocacy in the face of evolving political dynamics.

35:18

Creator website

Episode guests

Ilyse Hogue

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

4min

Navigating the Abortion Rights Debate

18min

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Abortion Rights

3min

The Abortion Rights Battlefield

5min

Power Dynamics in Red States: Abortion and Unity

5min

Judicial Stances and Political Maneuvers in a Divided Election Landscape

3min

Most Americans say that abortion should be legal with some restrictions, but President Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett, signed a statement in a 2006 newspaper advertisement opposing “abortion on demand.” Her accession would bolster a conservative majority among the justices.

How did that happen? According to Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, abortion rights advocates have for too long taken Roe v. Wade for granted.

Ms. Hogue describes how Republican attacks on abortion were not countered forcefully enough. “I think most people in elected positions had been taught for a long time to sort of ‘check the box’ on being what we would call pro-choice and then move on,” she said.

Guest: Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily

Background reading:

The 2006 statement signed by Amy Coney Barrett appears to be the most direct evidence of her personal views, ones she has vowed to set aside on the bench.
The issue of abortion contains political risks for both Democrats and Republicans, even as it energizes parts of their bases.

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