The upcoming presidential election in 2024 marks a significant shift following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which previously guaranteed federal abortion rights. The election cycle has highlighted a clear gender divide, with polls indicating that Kamala Harris is favored among female voters, while Donald Trump appears to have strong support from male voters. In these final campaign days, many women voters are reflecting on how issues of gender and abortion will influence their choices at the ballot box.

Michelle, a 38-year-old quality engineer from Arizona and a registered Republican, plans to support Harris. She emphasizes her concern for women’s rights and healthcare access, noting her personal struggles following the Roe v. Wade reversal that affected her access to necessary medications. Michelle questions the Republican Party’s stance on personal freedoms while advocating for restrictions on women’s reproductive choices.

In Texas, a nurse practitioner who voted for Trump in the last election intends to back him again despite some of his controversial remarks. She prioritizes policies over personalities and believes Trump’s approach to legislation around abortion has been more sensible than Harris’s lack of clarity on gestational limits for abortions.

A Democrat from Illinois, who voted for Biden in 2020, expresses worries about the state of reproductive rights and feels Harris has a genuine understanding of these issues as a woman of color. Although she wishes for more detailed plans from Harris regarding reproductive rights, she believes Harris outshines Trump by simply acknowledging the concerns surrounding these topics.

Angela, a graduate student in Iowa and Biden supporter from the last election, feels ambivalent about celebrating Harris’s candidacy due to its tight race against Trump and dissatisfaction with some policy stances. While recognizing abortion as critical, she notes that women’s rights encompass broader issues beyond just reproductive access.

An independent voter from Georgia describes herself as a left-leaning moderate torn between her Catholic faith and pro-life beliefs, ultimately feeling she cannot vote for either candidate this year due to conflicting views on abortion. Meanwhile, a retired Texas resident who supported Biden previously expresses fear about regressing in women’s rights and is troubled by Trump’s legal troubles.

As Election Day approaches, various voices are emerging across the country reflecting on what matters most to them. The ongoing discussions surrounding gender issues and reproductive rights are shaping voter sentiment as Americans prepare to cast their ballots.