Reproductive health care is an issue that should concern men as well

The Kalamazoo rally occurred just one day after the largest turnout in Houston, which highlighted reproductive freedom in Texas — a state that has some of the strictest abortion laws in the nation. The Houston event included appearances from doctors, women and celebrities like Jessica Alba, Tina Knowles, Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, and abortion and women’s reproductive health care remain top concerns for Democrats in this year’s election.

During her speech in Michigan, Obama addressed men who may not consider these issues a primary concern when deciding who to vote for. She urged them to recognize that reproductive rights and health care affect everyone, including the women in their own lives.

“Please, please do not hand our fates over to the likes of Trump, who knows nothing about us, who has shown deep contempt for us,” Obama said, per CNN. “Because a vote for him is a vote against us, against our health, against our worth.”

“A vote for him is a vote against us” — Michelle Obama appeal to men on women’s health, the importance of reproductive rights, and the horrors of Trump’s abortion bans is worth your time pic.twitter.com/1JPBkADIDC

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 26, 2024

She continued, “If your wife is shivering and bleeding on the operating room table during a routine, the delivery gone bad, her pressure dropping as she loses more and more blood, or some unforeseen infection spreads and her doctors aren’t sure if they can act — you’ll be the one praying that it’s not too late,” Obama said. “You’ll be the one pleading for somebody, anybody to do something.”

Obama also addressed women with husbands or close family members who do not view this issue as pressing.

“If you are a woman who lives in a household of men that don’t listen to you or value your opinion, just remember that your vote is a private matter,” Obama said. “You get to use your judgment and cast your vote for yourself and the women in your life. Remember, women standing up for what is best for us can make the difference in this election.”

Reproductive Health Care

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week