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Kamala Harris’s Ad Features Survivor of Sexual Abuse to Highlight Abortion Ban Concerns

Kamala Harris’s latest campaign ad spotlights the personal story of Hadley Duvall, a survivor of sexual abuse, to highlight the issue of abortion restrictions in states with bans. The ad is part of a larger effort to target conservative-leaning women and address the political vulnerabilities of Donald Trump’s stance on abortion as Election Day nears.

Lead Art: Hadley Duvall speaks on stage during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. | J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Kamala Harris Releases New Ad Featuring Abuse Survivor
Kamala Harris’s campaign has launched a new advertisement featuring Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky woman who became pregnant after being raped by her stepfather at the age of 12. The ad, which focuses on the issue of rape-related pregnancies in states with strict abortion bans, is part of Harris’s strategy to reach voters concerned with reproductive rights, particularly conservative-leaning women.


Abortion in States with No Exceptions for Rape
Duvall’s story is set in the broader context of the 64,000 pregnancies that occur from rape in states with abortion bans. In her home state of Kentucky, abortion is banned from conception or after six weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Duvall’s personal experience serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of these laws on survivors of sexual abuse.


Targeting Trump’s Record on Abortion
The ad criticizes Donald Trump’s role in appointing the conservative Supreme Court justices who were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade. While Trump has voiced support for exceptions in cases of rape and incest, the ad calls attention to the potential consequences of leaving abortion laws up to individual states. This issue has been a significant point for Democrats, especially among women voters who may feel alienated by Trump’s policies.


Trump’s Struggles with Women Voters
Trump’s difficulties in gaining support among women voters, particularly white women, are highlighted by this ad. His administration’s stance on abortion and his handling of related issues have led to historically low approval ratings in this demographic. As the campaign approaches its final weeks, Trump has attempted to regain support, including hosting a women’s town hall on Fox News, but the issue of reproductive rights remains a key challenge for him.


Reaching Out to Conservative Women
The Harris campaign’s decision to feature Duvall in this ad reflects the importance of abortion rights as a defining issue in this election. By focusing on stories like Duvall’s, the campaign hopes to appeal to conservative-leaning women who may be reconsidering their support for Trump due to his abortion stance and the broader consequences of the laws enacted under his administration.

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