In the lead-up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, many American women are purchasing contraceptive pills amid fears of potential restrictions on reproductive rights. Concerns intensified after Trump’s campaign statements suggested possible changes to contraception policies. Women are sharing their experiences on social media, encouraging others to stock up. Additionally, some are taking drastic measures for reproductive control, reflecting anxiety around the administration’s stance on abortion and contraception, particularly after significant rollbacks during Trump’s prior term.
American Women Stock Up on Contraceptives
In the days leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, a significant number of American women are flocking to pharmacies in a bid to secure contraceptive pills. The concern stems from Trump’s comments indicating a possible ban on contraception, making many feel uneasy about their reproductive rights. During his campaign, he stated, “We are studying this; we will implement a policy on this very quickly,” when queried about contraception by a journalist.
One such woman, Beth Turnbull, shared her experience in a news segment. On a visit to a Pittsburgh pharmacy, she purchased a morning-after pill, explaining, “This is the fourth one I am buying. I don’t really need it right now. It just reassures me to have one on hand.” This purchase is a precautionary measure in light of potential changes in legislation once Trump assumes office. Turnbull voiced her concerns, stating, “Currently, my contraception is covered by Social Security, but that could change with the new administration. I’m afraid it will become unaffordable.”
Responses to Potential Changes in Legislation
Social media has seen an influx of videos from women who document their purchases, urging others to do the same. One American woman expressed, “Things have changed, girls, unfortunately. Make sure to always have a morning-after pill at home,” while another added, “I go every day to buy one. You can get two a day.”
The report also highlights the efforts of a couple from Delaware who are assisting women nationwide in obtaining abortion pills, responding to the challenges posed by restrictive laws in various states. Additionally, a Pennsylvania resident made the drastic decision to have both fallopian tubes removed with her husband to avoid the possibility of pregnancy.
Trump’s potential return to power raises alarms about renewed threats to contraception and abortion rights. His prior tenure saw significant rollbacks in these areas across many states, particularly after his appointment of three conservative judges to the Supreme Court. This led to the June 2022 reversal of federal abortion rights, granting states the authority to legislate on the matter. Since then, approximately twenty states have enacted various degrees of restrictions.
Interestingly, Trump’s stance on abortion has evolved over the years. In 1999, he identified as ‘pro-choice,’ yet by 2020, he became the first sitting president to participate in the ‘March for Life,’ a prominent anti-abortion event. During his latest campaign, he treaded carefully on the issue, balancing the majority of public opinion that supports abortion rights with the expectations of his evangelical supporters.