Kellyanne Conway cautions GOP: Promote contraception or face 2024 loss
Former President Donald Trump’s Senior Counselor Urges Republicans to Prioritize Contraception Access
On Wednesday, Kellyanne Conway, former President Donald Trump’s senior counselor, made a compelling visit to Capitol Hill. Her mission? To meet with congressional Republicans and deliver a powerful message: take contraception access seriously or risk defeat in the 2024 election.
Accompanied by lobbyist Susan Hirschmann and Independent Women’s Voice CEO Heather Higgins, Conway embarked on a mission to meet with GOP members and their staff in both the House and Senate. Their goal was to emphasize the importance of prioritizing women’s health, including increasing access to birth control. They warned that failing to do so would result in losing voters and handing victory to Democrats, who have successfully exploited the narrative that Republicans aim to outlaw contraception alongside abortion.
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This visit comes more than a year and a half after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, granting Republican-led states the ability to enforce strict abortion bans. These bans, some with exceptions, have faced criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans who believe their party needs to redefine its stance on abortion.
Conway and her allies argue that Republicans taking meaningful action to expand contraception access could give them an advantage among their female voter base. Additionally, it might sway some dissatisfied Democrats who are unhappy with President Joe Biden.
In an interview with Politico, Conway stated, “You’ve got a fair number of Democrats saying that they want an alternative to Biden and Harris, or they may sit it out. He’s especially bleeding young voters, who you would think would be animated and interested to hear about [contraception], and who are in the prime of their years and choosing to conceive or not to conceive.”
The trio is armed with polling information commissioned by Independent Women’s Voice and conducted by Conway’s firm, KA Consulting. This data reveals that a majority of the public, including Republicans and those who identify as “pro-life,” support policies that make contraception more accessible and affordable. These policies include long-acting contraceptives like IUDs, which conservatives have sought to restrict in certain states.
Conway’s plan is to convey to GOP members that they will “lose precious political currency and votes” if they fail to act or take steps to limit contraception access for women. The poll also showed that nearly 50% of conservative women would consider voting for a candidate from a different political party if Republicans back birth control restrictions.
According to Higgins, the message for Republicans is clear: they need to focus more on expressing their support and less on opposition when it comes to abortion and contraceptive care. She compared Republicans to a loving uncle who struggles to show affection, stating, “It’s just not in their natural vocabulary. And we’re trying to help them learn how to make this be more part of their vocabulary and tell them that they need to talk about these things that their constituents all support, and be more visible and vocal.”
Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) has been one of the most outspoken Republicans in Congress, criticizing her own party’s approach to abortion and women’s health. Her stance has faced backlash, particularly from anti-abortion groups.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Mace expressed her frustration, saying, “You have to ask yourself, ‘What the hell is wrong with you?’ If you want to reduce the number of abortions in this country, then you also need to increase the number of women who can have access to birth control — safe access to birth control, because we have entire counties in this country that don’t have a single OBGYN doctor. If we want to get serious about saving lives, then let’s get serious about saving lives and also showing that you can be pro-life and you can be pro-woman at the same time. They’re not mutually exclusive.”
Mace and several others have warned that abortion policy will be a significant topic among voters heading into the 2024 election. The impact of abortion was evident in the outcomes of the 2023 Virginia legislative and Kentucky governor’s races, as well as the adoption of an abortion protection amendment in Ohio.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
How can advocating for contraception access help the Republican Party appeal to a broader base of voters?
Sider voting for a Democratic candidate if the Republican Party does not prioritize contraception access.
Conway’s emphasis on contraception access is not without reason. Access to contraception has been a contentious issue in American politics for decades. While the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade established a woman’s constitutional right to abortion, access to contraception has often been overlooked or restricted. Many Republicans have opposed measures to increase accessibility, citing moral or religious concerns.
However, Conway believes that it is time for Republicans to reassess their stance. She argues that by advocating for contraception access, the party can demonstrate its commitment to women’s health and rights, while also appealing to a broader base of voters. As she stated in the Politico interview, “I think it’s important for Republicans to show that they are not just a party that is against something, but a party that is for something.”
The polling data commissioned by Independent Women’s Voice and conducted by Conway’s firm reinforces this point. It shows that a significant majority of Americans, including Republicans and those who identify as ”pro-life,” support policies that expand access to contraception. This includes long-acting contraceptives like IUDs, which have been the subject of restrictions in certain states. By aligning their policies with public opinion, Republicans can position themselves as a party that listens to its constituents and respects their choices when it comes to family planning.
Furthermore, Conway and her allies warn that failing to address contraception access could have serious political consequences. The data also revealed that nearly 50% of conservative women would consider voting for a Democratic candidate if the Republican Party neglects this issue. This potential loss of support should serve as a wake-up call to Republicans who wish to secure victories in future elections.
While there may be internal disagreements within the party regarding contraception and reproductive rights, it is crucial for Republicans to recognize the changing social landscape and adapt their policies accordingly. The conversation surrounding contraception access is no longer confined to pro-choice and pro-life arguments. It extends to questions of women’s health, personal autonomy, and economic stability.
As Republicans navigate the path towards the 2024 election, it is paramount for them to prioritize the issue of contraception access. Neglecting this vital aspect of women’s health not only risks alienating voters, but also reinforces the perception that the party is out of touch with the needs and concerns of the American people. By embracing policies that expand access to contraception, Republicans have the opportunity to attract support from a diverse range of voters and demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of all Americans.
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