Why J.D. Vance is Wrong for America’s Women
U.S. Senator J. D. Vance speaking with attendees at the 2023 Turning Point Action Conference at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
In a surprising and contentious move, former President Donald Trump has selected J.D. Vance as his running mate for the upcoming presidential election. Vance, an author and venture capitalist turned politician, is best known for his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. While his personal narrative of overcoming poverty has inspired many, his political stances, particularly regarding women's rights, pose a significant threat to reproductive healthcare and broader women's issues in America.
SenateGOP 2023, Instagram
J.D. Vance first entered the public eye with his bestselling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which detailed his upbringing in a poor Appalachian family. The book was widely praised for shedding light on the struggles of white working-class Americans and was even adapted into a Netflix film. However, Vance's transition from author to politician has been marked by increasingly controversial and conservative views. In 2021, Vance announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Ohio, quickly aligning himself with Trump’s base. However, Vance did not start out as a staunch supporter of Trump. Vance has called Trump names such as “America’s Hitler”, “cultural heroin”, and has said, “I’m a ‘Never Trump’ guy. I never liked him”, in an interview with Charlie Rose weeks before Trump was elected president. Despite his initial reluctance to embrace Trumpism, Vance has since fully adopted the former president’s rhetoric and policies. His victory in the Senate race boosted his political standing leading up to his selection as Trump's vice-presidential candidate.
One of the most alarming aspects of J.D. Vance's political platform is his staunch opposition to reproductive healthcare. Vance has consistently voiced his support for restrictive abortion laws, aligning himself with the anti-choice movement. He has publicly praised the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, calling it a "historic victory for life." This stance poses a severe threat to women's autonomy over their bodies and their right to make personal healthcare decisions. Moreover, Vance has expressed support for legislation that would ban abortion nationwide, effectively stripping millions of women of their reproductive rights. Such a move would disproportionately affect low-income and marginalized communities, who already face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. In addition to his anti-abortion stance, Vance's views on in vitro fertilization (IVF) are equally concerning.
STOP PROJECT 2025 Rally across from Heritage Foundation at Triangle Park along Massachusetts Avenue between 2nd and D Street, NE, Washington DC on January 27, 2024 by Elvert Barnes Photography
He has criticized IVF, suggesting that it leads to the destruction of embryos, which he equates with the taking of human life. This perspective could pave the way for policies that restrict or even criminalize IVF, a procedure that many couples rely on to overcome infertility. Limiting access to IVF would be devastating for countless families hoping to conceive. It would also set a dangerous precedent, where the government intrudes into deeply personal and private medical decisions. Vance's position on this issue underscores a broader agenda that seeks to control women's reproductive choices at every stage. Vance's endorsement of Project 2025 further highlights his dangerous views. Project 2025, a conservative initiative, aims to reshape federal policies in line with far-right ideologies. Among its goals are the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights, the imposition of strict immigration controls, and the defunding of Planned Parenthood.
As the election approaches, it is imperative that voters recognize the stakes. The selection of J.D. Vance as Trump's running mate signals a clear and present danger to women's rights in America. Vance's beliefs and policy proposals could lead to the erasure of hard-won freedoms and protections that women have fought for over generations. To safeguard these rights, it is crucial for voters to support politicians who genuinely advocate for all women. This means voting for candidates who prioritize reproductive healthcare, champion gender equality, and resist regressive policies. It also involves staying informed about the issues, engaging in political activism, and holding elected officials accountable for their actions. As voters, we have the power to shape the future of our country. Let us use our votes to protect and promote the health, freedom, and equality of all women.
