September 15, 2024 – Philadelphia, PA – The Harris-Walz and Pennsylvania Democrats’ national “Fighting for Reproductive Freedom” bus tour launched its Pennsylvania leg today with an energetic rally in Philadelphia. Key figures like Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean addressed an enthusiastic crowd, urging voters to stand up for reproductive rights in the critical months leading up to the November election.
The event comes as part of a broader campaign to highlight the stark contrast between the Harris-Walz ticket and former President Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, which includes a nationwide abortion ban, restrictions on birth control, and reports on miscarriages and abortions. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have positioned themselves as champions of reproductive freedom, while Trump and Republican allies, such as J.D. Vance, advocate for policies that would significantly curtail those rights.
At the rally, U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean emphasized, “We are ready to turn the page on Trump’s chaos and indecency.” She reminded the audience of Trump’s legacy of restrictive policies, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “We will not go back,” she declared, echoing the rallying cry from across the country.
Governor Josh Shapiro also took the stage, making an impassioned plea for Pennsylvanians to recognize the power they hold in determining the nation’s future. Shapiro warned of the consequences if Trump were to regain the presidency. “Make no mistake, Trump and his allies will sign a national abortion ban,” Shapiro said, underscoring the urgency of protecting reproductive freedoms at both the state and federal levels.
The rally’s emotional peak came from Hadley Duvall, a sexual assault survivor and reproductive rights advocate, who shared her story. Duvall’s powerful testimony underscored the stakes of the election for women across the country, particularly those in states where access to reproductive healthcare has already been restricted.
The Harris-Walz “Fighting for Reproductive Freedom” bus tour, scheduled to make 50 stops across the country, aims to mobilize support for reproductive rights. The tour’s focus in Pennsylvania highlights the state’s critical role in the 2024 election, with its history as a battleground state often determining national outcomes.
The rally concluded with a clear call to action. “We cannot let Donald Trump take away our rights,” Shapiro said. “We are the key to protecting our freedoms.”
With 51 days left until Election Day, the Harris-Walz campaign is expected to continue ramping up its efforts in Pennsylvania and beyond, as the battle for reproductive rights continues to be a central issue for voters.
