November 20, 2019 - Abortion, Paid Leave, Equal Pay Raised in Fifth Democratic Debate


After criticism that they had not been adequately addressed in previous debates, reproductive rights, paid leave, and equal pay are raised in the fifth Democratic Debate. Yang is asked about child care and pushes his universal basic income plan as a way to address crippling costs. Klobuchar and Harris are asked about their plans to provide paid family leave, upon which Harris explains the reality of gender and racial disparities in pay that further contribute to inequality for working women. Asked if she would intervene if the abortion protections under Roe v. Wade were pulled back, Klobuchar says, “Well, of course. We should codify Roe v. Wade into law. That is what we should do.” She adds that Trump is out of step with the majority of Americans on this issue and that “he will hear from the women of America, and this is how we’re going to win this election.” Asked if there was room in the Democratic Party for someone who opposed reproductive rights, Warren says that denying abortion access will deepen class-based inequities and vows that she will not compromise on this issue. Sanders then adds, “Let me just — Amy mentioned that women feel strongly on it. Well, let me just tell you that if there’s ever a time in American history where the men of this country must stand with the women, this is the moment.”