As election season heats up, I find myself reflecting on my children—especially my daughters, one of whom will be eligible to vote in the next presidential election. I can’t help but wonder how our choice for president will shape their futures—not just in the present, but as they enter adulthood.
This election transcends the immediate. With Congress failing to fulfill its Constitutional duty to appoint a new Supreme Court Justice, the next president will be pivotal in selecting a replacement for Antonin Scalia. Given that several Justices are nearing or in their 80s—well past the average retirement age for the Court—it’s likely that this president will nominate others during their term as well. The implications of these appointments will resonate deeply for my daughters, and I want a Supreme Court that empowers them to make their own life choices.
While I personally hold conservative views regarding abortion, I recognize the importance of keeping it legal. I’ve witnessed the struggles of mothers constrained by restrictive abortion laws, forced to endure pain and suffering. The data indicates that criminalizing abortion doesn’t reduce its frequency; rather, it makes it more perilous. To effectively lower abortion rates, we must prioritize universal access to affordable contraception, a goal that a conservative Supreme Court is unlikely to support. Ironically, a more liberal Court could better serve women and reduce the number of abortions.
I also think about my daughters when I consider the candidates’ family leave policies. Trump’s proposal of only six weeks of paid leave for mothers overlooks the needs of fathers and adoptive parents, and it perpetuates the notion that women are less valuable in the workplace. If an employer must choose between a man and a woman, who has the upper hand? A woman who will take time off for maternity leave, or a man who may not take much time at all? We’re in the 21st century, where women are competitive in the job market and men are increasingly involved in parenting. By only offering leave to mothers, it feels like a small step forward and a giant leap back. Hillary’s plan, which includes 12 weeks of paid leave for both mothers and fathers, would create a more equitable workplace for my daughters when they start their families. It’s high time we improved our family leave policies and demonstrated our commitment to family values.
Lastly, I consider the individual my daughters will see in the highest office in the land. Do I want them to look up to a woman with decades of public service and a clear vision for our country, or a billionaire businessman with no governing experience who often resorts to insults? The choice seems straightforward.
If we want progress in gender equality and women’s rights—if we want a world where our daughters can explore myriad opportunities—we simply cannot afford a President who represents regression.
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In summary, as we approach this pivotal election, let’s keep our daughters in mind. Their futures depend on the choices we make today.