KU experts can discuss outsized influence of abortion politics in America on November midterm elections
LAWRENCE — As the November midterm elections approach, the issue of abortion looms large over many races, ballot initiatives and candidates. Voters in California, Vermont, Michigan and Kentucky will find measures on their ballots aimed at either protecting or curbing reproductive rights, and candidates across the political spectrum are making the battle over abortion rights part of their campaigns.
Two University of Kansas scholars who were frequently cited experts on the Kansas abortion vote in August are available to discuss how abortion politics in America will influence midterm elections this November.
Alesha Doan
Alesha Doan, professor of public affairs & administration and of women, gender & sexuality studies at the University of Kansas, is available to discuss with media the various votes and the influence of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Doan, who has conducted research and written extensively on abortion policy, law and tactics of anti-abortion activists, can discuss reproductive rights, the approach of pro-choice and anti-abortion activists like those in Georgia in 2019, the recent Kansas vote that upheld the state constitution’s abortion protections, the legacy of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization verdict, the influence of the August vote in Kansas and similar issues, including the outsized influence of abortion in general on races across the country.
“For states looking to map a similar course as Kansas, several conditions need to exist: a disconnect between policy and majority opinion, a willingness for local groups to engage in long-term collaborations to educate and mobilize voters, and a viable mechanism for placing an abortion rights measure on a ballot. In states where these conditions exist, reproductive rights supporters will be fighting battles in states where conservative legislators are poised to expeditiously introduce and enact abortion bans before supporters can effectively mobilize opposition,” Doan said. “We can expect to see these political battles unfold for the foreseeable future. As they develop, the legal chaos and public health crisis created by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision will continue to affect thousands of people who no longer have agency and autonomy to chart the course of their reproductive lives.”
Doan is the author of the books “Abortion Regret: The New Attack on Reproductive Freedom,” “The Politics of Virginity: Abstinence in Sex Education” and “Opposition and Intimidation: The Abortion Wars and Strategies of Political Harassment.”
Patrick Miller
Patrick Miller, associate professor of political science at the University of Kansas, is available to discuss with media the importance of the abortion issue among voters.
Miller earned his doctorate in political science (concentrations in American politics and research methodology) from the University of North Carolina. His research focuses on American politics — specifically elections — and public opinion, political psychology and survey methods. He has served as lead author on studies about partisan rivalry, political discussion practices in social media and the 2016 Southern electorate.
To schedule an interview with Doan, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860, mkrings@ku.edu or @MikeKrings.
To schedule an interview with Miller, contact Jon Niccum at 785-864-7633 or jniccum@ku.edu.