Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made history with an unprecedented visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic, spotlighting their strong pro-choice stance as they gear up for the 2024 presidential race.
In a move that drew significant attention earlier this year, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made an unprecedented visit to an abortion clinic, signaling their strong stance on reproductive rights. Governor Walz had recently signed a groundbreaking law allowing abortion up to the moment of birth and permitting minors to obtain abortions without parental notification—one of the few laws of its kind in the country.
During her visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, Harris remarked, “I’m here at this health care clinic to uplift the work that is happening in Minnesota as an example of what true leadership looks like.” She described the situation as a "health care crisis," emphasizing the impact of clinic closures on women's access to essential care.
Harris’s visit marked the first time a sitting U.S. vice president has toured an abortion provider, underscoring the importance of the issue in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Governor Walz, standing in support, was joined by Planned Parenthood officials and local lawmakers, including Rep. Betty McCollum.
In her remarks, Harris emphasized the importance of personal choice in matters of reproductive health, stating, “One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling women what to do with their body.”
The visit sparked strong reactions from conservative and pro-life groups, who criticized it as the "normalization of evil." Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, condemned the visit on social media, urging pro-life advocates to protest.
Following the clinic tour, Governor Walz spoke about the need for more open discussions on reproductive health, particularly among men. “I think old white men need to learn how to talk about this a little more,” Walz told CNN, urging people to listen to women’s voices, especially at the ballot box.
Just weeks after President Biden announced he would not seek re-election and endorsed Harris, she officially chose Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential race. Harris praised Walz, saying, “As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his.”
Planned Parenthood lauded the selection, calling Harris and Walz "the most pro-reproductive freedom ticket in history."
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