[[link removed]] Weekly Digest
Weekly Digest
Letter from an Editor | October 19, 2024
Dear John,
Pollsters, pundits, and politicians who underestimate women voters are doing so at their own peril. As Election Day draws closer, women voters are more engaged than ever—and the issues they care about are at the forefront of many consequential races this election season, from down-ballot races to Congressional races and of course, the presidential contest.
“Part of what’s frustrating to me… is people ‘rediscovering’ women voters every two years, as if they aren’t the majority of the electorate, and more likely to vote than men—especially Black women. Every election has been profoundly gendered since 2016,” says polling expert Anna Greenberg, who joined Ms. editor Roxy Szal to answer readers’ questions about polls and polling on Thursday (read or watch a recap of the event here). “The idea that you could take already a very gendered political environment… and then put fuel on the fire by repealing Roe… it isn’t a surprise at all.”
Greenberg makes clear: abortion is going to be a decisive issue in November. And the polls back this up: a recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that for women under 30, abortion was the number one issue this election season—nearly 4 in ten young women said it was their most important issue, double the number that said the same just a few months ago.
It’s no wonder abortion remains a top-of-mind issue in the election, with every new report of women dying or nearly dying because they are denied abortion care in states with severe bans—despite so-called exceptions for when a woman’s life is at risk. Just this week, a court in Tennessee has temporarily blocked that state’s strict abortion ban, finding that “the unclear exceptions to Tennessee’s abortion ban is preventing women in the state from getting medically necessary abortion care.” The court wrote that the “medical emergency” exception is “demonstrably unclear.” The challenge to the abortion ban was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights on behalf of nine women and doctors, as Ms. previously reported.
As the election draws near, voters are paying attention to candidates’ positions on abortion rights: a national abortion ban is at stake in this election, as detailed by experts Cary Franklin, Melissa Goodman and Amanda Barrow. This week we also explore how state supreme court races will determine abortion access in several states, in a must-read article by Malliga Och, produced in partnership with the 19th.
Time and time again, womens’ rights advocates, legal experts, public health professionals, and everyday women themselves have affirmed that abortion is an issue that touches every part of our lives. We’re acutely aware that the abortion bans can also be deadly for victims of domestic violence—who are often in situations where pregnancy is being used as a tool to exert control by their abuser. “Contrary to claims that abortion bans protect life, they do the opposite by increasing violence against women and children,” writes Gia Elise Barboza-Salerno in Ms. this week. “Research shows that when women in abusive relationships can access comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, they and their children experience less trauma, violence and abuse.”
Voting has started in many states in this most consequential election. So if you haven’t already, it’s now time to make a plan to vote. Our lives depend on it.
Onward,
[[link removed]]
Kathy Spillar
Executive Editor
This Week's Must-Reads from Ms.
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Tennessee Court Says Some Women Denied Abortions Should Have Received Them Under Law [[link removed]] A National Abortion Ban Is at Stake in this Election [[link removed]]
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State Supreme Court Races Will Determine Abortion Access in Several States [[link removed]] Abortion Bans Can Be Deadly for Victims of Domestic Violence [[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]] Tune in for a new episode of Ms. magazine's podcast, On the Issues with Michele Goodwin on
Apple Podcasts [[link removed]] + Spotify [[link removed]] .
On this week’s episode, we’re thinking about the return to school and Congress with Michigan Rep. Hilary Scholten. As we return to both, many things are top of mind: issues like gun safety, policies that benefit mothers and families, and much more are all things that matter at home, in schools, and in Congress. These are also major issues this election season. How can we ensure that our children and families aren’t just safe—but can thrive?
We hope you'll listen, subscribe, rate and review today!
U.S. democracy is at a dangerous inflection point—from the demise of abortion rights, to a lack of pay equity and parental leave, to skyrocketing maternal mortality, and attacks on trans health. Left unchecked, these crises will lead to wider gaps in political participation and representation. For 50 years, Ms . has been forging feminist journalism—reporting, rebelling and truth-telling from the front-lines, championing the Equal Rights Amendment, and centering the stories of those most impacted. With all that’s at stake for equality, we are redoubling our commitment for the next 50 years. In turn, we need your help, Support Ms. today with a donation—any amount that is meaningful to you [[link removed]] . We are grateful for your loyalty and ferocity .
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