As the 2024 presidential election approaches, a puzzling dichotomy has emerged: many voters who support abortion rights are also backing former President Donald Trump. A recent analysis from Rutgers School of Public Health revealed that in states with abortion ballot measures, support for abortion initiatives outpaced support for Vice President Kamala Harris.

This divergence raises questions, especially considering Trump’s public claims of credit for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. His statements often downplay the federal role in abortion access, with Trump asserting on Truth Social that “states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both.” This claim has struck a chord with voters, many of whom are eager to see abortion policy determined at the state level rather than by federal mandate.

But, for voters who hoped Trump’s words would reflect a genuine commitment to states’ rights, the reality of a Trump administration paired with a Republican-controlled Senate—and potentially the House—could very well see abortion rights dismantled on a national scale. The fact remains that Trump’s judicial appointments have created a conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court, making it easier for anti-abortion laws to pass, and for Congress to pursue measures like a national abortion ban, or minimum standards that could have the same effect.

Even if Trump remains true to his word and does not impose a national ban, his influence still looms large. The Dobbs decision has allowed states to pass their own abortion laws, but it has also opened the door for federal actions that could indirectly impact abortion access across the country. A revived enforcement of the Comstock Act—the 1873 law that restricts abortion-related materials—could impact how abortion care is accessed, especially by limiting the availability of abortion pills. Furthermore, if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enacts more restrictions on the prescribing of abortion pills, it would create further barriers to care.

For voters in states that have already protected abortion rights, the looming federal pressure means there’s no guarantee of safety. Increased demand for services, a lack of medical professionals in abortion-restricted states, and the broader healthcare implications of a rollback in reproductive rights all contribute to a growing crisis. Obstetricians, gynecologists, and midwives are leaving states with abortion bans, making healthcare access increasingly difficult. And the long-term impact of these state-level restrictions will reverberate throughout the nation, affecting access to contraception, preventive care, and even the fundamental protections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA’s mandate for contraception coverage and well-woman care could be in jeopardy under a Trump administration, which would ultimately limit access to care for millions.

Given these realities, voters need to consider the larger picture. Abortion access is not just about what happens in their home state—it is intrinsically connected to national policy. And while it may seem that voting for Trump allows voters to have it both ways, with state-level abortion measures reflecting popular support, the fallout from federal actions could still affect millions.

Now more than ever, it’s crucial for voters to advocate for abortion rights, both locally and nationally. Supporting local abortion funds, fighting misinformation, and reminding political leaders that abortion rights have widespread support are just a few ways to make an impact. The message is clear: abortion access is more popular than any politician, and voters must ensure that their voices are heard.

As the election draws nearer, it’s essential to hold Trump and other political figures to their word. If they want to be seen as champions of states’ rights, they must prove that commitment by keeping abortion decisions where they belong—at the state level—and ensuring that the rights of millions are not undermined by federal interference.