Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign has launched a new television advertisement aimed at reminding voters of former President Donald J. Trump's role in overturning Roe v. Wade, particularly focusing on those who consider abortion as their top concern. The 30-second ad, part of a broader $370 million advertising campaign by the Harris campaign, will be aired on broadcast and cable networks in seven swing states and Nebraska's competitive Second Congressional District.

The ad begins with a clip from 2016, where Mr. Trump states that there should be some form of punishment for women seeking abortions, followed by his recent remark claiming credit for terminating Roe v. Wade. The narrator then highlights Trump's alleged plans to further restrict birth control, impose a nationwide abortion ban, and even monitor women's pregnancies.

While Mr. Trump's 2016 statement was quickly recognized as a gaffe and he reversed his stance, he has consistently expressed pride in appointing three Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, leading to abortion bans or restrictions in 22 states. The release of this ad comes as an increasing number of voters in swing states identify abortion as a significant factor influencing their decision ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

The Harris campaign aims to exploit voters' concerns regarding the Republican Party's stance on abortion, capitalizing on polling data indicating that abortion has surpassed the economy as the top issue for women under 45 years old. Recent polling in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin showed that a majority of voters trusted Harris more than Trump on the subject of abortion, with a staggering 24 percentage point lead in those states.

Despite various mixed signals throughout the year, Mr. Trump's official position on abortion remains unclear. While he stated support for a 15-week federal ban, he also claimed he would not sign a national abortion ban. Furthermore, he has expressed both support for unrestricted birth control and suggested that he might endorse allowing states to restrict it. Responding to the ad, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt accused Vice President Harris of lying about Trump's stance on abortion, reaffirming that he does not support a federal ban.

The timing of the ad's release, just four days before the highly anticipated debate between Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump on ABC News, is likely to fuel discussions on the topic during the televised event. With abortion playing a central role in this election, the candidates' positions and statements are expected to be closely scrutinized by voters who prioritize this issue.

As the countdown to Election Day continues, both campaigns are intensifying their efforts to sway voters in key battleground states, with abortion emerging as a critical flashpoint that could significantly impact the outcome of the presidential race.