Donald Trump’s proclamations reveal a consistent agenda that has systematically made life more difficult for women. The notion that he is merely a chaotic presence at the podium overlooks the very clear intentions laid out in his actions. His commitment to anti-abortion policies has been evident for much longer than many realized.
Just months before assuming office, Trump reached out to anti-abortion activists with a letter outlining his intentions: he pledged to ban abortions after 20 weeks, appoint anti-abortion justices to the Supreme Court, defund Planned Parenthood, and cement the Hyde Amendment, which restricts low-income women’s access to abortion through Medicaid. Essentially, he was declaring, “I am here to take control of women’s bodies.”
I vividly remember a comment from someone who read my reflections on Trump’s letter, likening the situation to The Handmaid’s Tale. “He never said he’d ban abortion,” she claimed, “you’re exaggerating.” Living in such denial must be blissful, but unfortunately, I cannot share that luxury. The stark reality is that Trump is indeed following through on his anti-abortion promises, systematically eroding protections that allow women to maintain bodily autonomy.
Actions Underscoring Trump’s Anti-Women Agenda
Here’s a breakdown of some actions that underscore how Trump’s words have become a blueprint for his administration’s policies:
- Legislation Limiting Funding: Trump signed a bill enabling state governments to deny federal funds to family planning centers that offer abortion services. In a move that bypassed the media, he reversed an Obama-era directive ensuring that Title X funding facilitated access to various health services, including contraception and cancer screenings. Consequently, states now have the authority to defund organizations like Planned Parenthood. Notably, this legislation passed the Senate with the tie-breaking vote from Vice President Mike Rogers.
- Appointment of Anti-Abortion Officials: Trump appointed two anti-abortion activists, Lisa Green and Tara Manning, to key positions within the Department of Health and Human Services. Their positions grant them significant influence over the availability of birth control and other health services. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, both hold unfounded beliefs about contraception and its effectiveness. Manning has previously argued that contraceptive methods are largely ineffective, a misguided view that has now shaped her role overseeing millions in family-planning grants. Green, who has expressed beliefs that certain forms of birth control are equivalent to abortion, has taken on a prominent role in public affairs for the department.
- Healthcare Legislation Impacting Women: The American Health Care Act, crafted without input from women legislators, effectively treats being a woman as a pre-existing condition. This could lead to inflated premiums and denial of coverage for women with various health issues, including those who have experienced rape or have had C-sections.
- Supreme Court Appointment: Neil M. Gorsuch, now a Supreme Court justice, has a vague record on abortion. While he acknowledged Roe v. Wade as the “law of the land” during his confirmation hearings, his past writings suggest a framework that could be applied to restrict abortion rights.
As I noted before the election, we are indeed living in a scenario reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale, and this is not an exaggeration. It is imperative to resist these developments.
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In summary, Donald Trump’s administration has consistently enacted policies that threaten women’s rights and autonomy. From legislative changes to strategic appointments, the implications of his actions are profound, marking a shift towards greater control over women’s health and choices.