In his recent State of the Union address, President Joe Biden faced criticism from abortion rights supporters for not using the word "abortion" despite it being written in his prepared remarks. Groups such as the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Reproductive Rights for All applauded Biden's focus on reproductive rights and his invitation to Kate Cox, a Texas mother who had to travel out of state to access abortion care, to attend the speech. However, some felt that omitting the term "abortion" implied a taboo around the topic.

Kellie Copeland, the executive director of Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, expressed her disappointment, emphasizing that referring to abortion as essential healthcare is crucial for destigmatization. Copeland stated that while it was uplifting to see Cox's story highlighted, failing to mention the word "abortion" suggested that it was a taboo subject, which it is not. She stressed that abortion is necessary healthcare that should be accessible to all women, trans, and nonbinary individuals.

Jessica Mason Pieklo, the executive editor at Rewire News Group, echoed Copeland's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of using the word "abortion" to normalize and destigmatize the procedure. Mason Pieklo acknowledged that it was significant for abortion to receive airtime in the president's speech but argued that hearing the word from the highest ranks of a Democratic administration was essential to remove the stigma associated with it.

While Biden, a Catholic who personally opposes abortion, has been criticized in the past for shying away from the term, his administration pushed back against claims that he intentionally left out the word "abortion." An insider suggested that the president often deviates from prepared remarks and highlighted how reproductive rights were the first domestic issue addressed in the State of the Union speech. They also pointed out that Biden has been actively working to restore reproductive freedom throughout his presidency.

However, critics like Emma Hernandez, communications manager for We Testify, an organization representing women who have had abortions, argued that Biden still does not use the term frequently enough. Hernandez expressed concern that when he does refer to abortion, it can still be stigmatizing, using phrases like "difficult decisions" or characterizing it as "a decision no one wants to make." She emphasized that such language does not accurately reflect the experiences of individuals who have had abortions.

Additionally, activists argue that Biden's emphasis on "Restoring Roe" is insufficient as it only aims to go back to the constitutional right to abortion outlined in the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade. Mason Pieklo highlighted the criticism that relying solely on "Restore Roe" fails to address the patchwork of state-level restrictions that emerged after the court's 2022 decision to strike down Roe. She stressed the importance of a clear plan of action beyond restoring the past framework.

As the debate surrounding abortion rights continues to intensify, advocates are pushing for President Biden to not only use the term "abortion" but also develop a comprehensive plan to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare. They argue that ensuring reproductive freedom requires a proactive and forward-looking approach, rather than relying solely on past legislation.