At issue: This is part of a letter I sent to a couple of family members who are pro-life and conservative. The objective was to address the number one concern of women facing this difficult choice by proposing a better argument for pro-life from an economic progressive perspective. This article was written before the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

I wanted to share some thoughts on abortion policy and its intersection with politics, particularly in light of recent events, like Trump’s appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

By stacking the court with justices eager to overturn Roe v. Wade, Trump bypasses Congress, concentrating policymaking into the hands of nine unelected individuals. This resembles a “Star Chamber,” accountable to no one. We saw the dangers of this approach in the Citizens United decision, which equated money in politics with freedom of expression—empowering oligarchs at the expense of democracy.

Polling since 1975 shows that a majority of Americans believe abortion should remain legal, though opinions vary on the circumstances. For 2018:

• 29% believe abortion should be legal under any circumstances.
• 14% support legality under most circumstances.
• 35% believe it should be legal in limited circumstances.
• 18% think it should be illegal under all circumstances.

While opinions are nuanced, it’s clear that Trump’s approach caters to a minority (the 18%) at the expense of democracy. Do we really want to undermine democratic institutions for a narrow ideological victory?

The Left-Wing Alternative
Abortion rates have declined since Roe v. Wade, with economic circumstances cited as the leading reason for seeking abortions. If Democrats framed abortion as an issue of economic justice, they could argue:

“We can’t eliminate abortion entirely—it’s the law of the land. But we can reduce it by supporting women in economic need.”

Conservatives, by contrast, are unwilling to provide such support, branding it “welfare.” This is why pro-life individuals should consider supporting left-wing candidates who prioritize policies that help struggling families. Imagine reducing abortion rates by 33% through comprehensive economic support—helping mothers while preserving democratic institutions.

Banning abortion won’t make it go away. History shows that bans often lead to unsafe procedures or no decrease in numbers. True pro-life advocacy should focus on creating conditions where fewer women feel compelled to choose abortion.

In the end, overturning Roe v. Wade is unlikely or it will be left to the States to decide. We may see a patchwork of state-level restrictions. Even GOP strategists know a complete ban would alienate voters and harm their party. Alabama, the most conservative state, won’t stay that way forever. Urbanization and cultural change will inevitably shift the political map.

If we want meaningful progress, we must align our policies with compassion and practicality. Supporting families, preserving democracy, and reducing abortions through economic justice are values worth embracing.