A Texas woman who was forced to travel out of state for an emergency abortion is urging voters to support Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, who she will defend at the party’s national convention next week.
Kate Cox was denied an abortion under Texas law in December after she found out her baby had a life-threatening genetic condition and had to travel to New Mexico to get an abortion. Cox’s doctor warned that continuing the pregnancy could affect her ability to have children in the future.
Cox, who is now five months pregnant with a healthy baby boy, attributes her current pregnancy to her access to abortion care. Her legal battle for an abortion gained political attention after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that stripped abortion rights nationwide. Since then, many states, including Texas, have passed laws restricting abortion.
Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has made abortion access a key campaign issue, and Cox has been a vocal supporter, while Republican candidate Donald Trump believes abortion laws should be up to states to decide. Harris’ campaign has invited Cox to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Cox’s story highlights the political debate over abortion rights in the US, with anti-abortion groups opposing her position and arguing for support and resources for families facing difficult diagnoses like hers.
(With input from relevant agencies)
