Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth delivered a powerful speech on the second night of the Democratic National Convention, emphasizing the need for reproductive rights and urging the Republican party to “stay out of our doctor’s offices.” A veteran of the Iraq War, Duckworth has been a longstanding advocate for both in vitro fertilization rights and disability rights. Reflecting on her own ten-year battle with infertility, she described the experience as “more painful than any wound I earned on the battlefield.”
The convention is taking place in Chicago and will run until Thursday. On the opening night, Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris made unexpected remarks, followed by President Joe Biden, who shared a speech highlighting his accomplishments.
In her speech, Duckworth underscored the difference between the reproductive policies of former President Trump and those of Harris. She is notable for being the first sitting senator to give birth while in office. Key points from her address included strong critiques of Trump’s policies that she claims jeopardize the rights of Americans to start families. Duckworth warned that if Republicans gain further power, they could extend bans on abortion to include in vitro fertilization, possibly leading to legal actions against doctors and invasive scrutiny of women seeking reproductive assistance.
Duckworth expressed concern for veterans who may face challenges in starting families due to combat-related injuries, asserting that every American should have the right to parenthood without being treated as a criminal.
The Democratic National Convention is being held from August 19-22 at the United Center in Chicago, a venue that has hosted the event multiple times since 1996. The convention will be streamed live on its website, and USA TODAY will provide coverage on YouTube each night.
The overarching theme for this year’s convention is “For the People, For Our Future,” with distinct themes planned for each night of the event.