In 1981, Ronald Reagan’s presidency marked a shift in Washington, especially concerning abortion rights. With Reagan’s anti-abortion stance and Republicans controlling the Senate after a long period, social conservatives pushed for a constitutional amendment allowing states to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

This amendment, seen by the National Abortion Rights Action League as a severe threat to abortion rights, gained significant momentum in March 1982 when it passed a crucial hurdle in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Notably, support for the amendment came not only from Republicans but also from a 39-year-old Democrat in his second term: Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Reflecting on his decision to support the amendment, Biden, a Roman Catholic, acknowledged the complexity and personal challenge it posed for him. He described it as “the single most difficult vote I’ve cast as a U.S. senator,” emphasizing the influence of his background on his decision-making process.

However, the proposed amendment never progressed to a full Senate vote in 1982. The following year, in 1983, when a similar measure came up again, Biden voted against it. This flip-flop on abortion rights became emblematic of his political trajectory on the issue. Biden’s shifting positions mirrored broader shifts within the Democratic Party and reflected the complexities of balancing personal beliefs, political pragmatism, and the demands of his constituency over time.

Indeed, Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s evolving stance on abortion will likely face renewed scrutiny, especially in the context of a Democratic primary where women’s rights and reproductive health are significant issues. Throughout his political career, Biden has navigated a path that sometimes aligned with the more conservative positions of his Catholic faith and at other times with the broader pro-abortion rights stance of the Democratic Party.

For women’s rights leaders and activists, Biden’s shifts on abortion may raise questions about his consistency and commitment to protecting reproductive rights. In a political landscape increasingly focused on advancing and defending these rights, candidates’ positions on abortion are pivotal in shaping voter support, particularly among women who constitute a significant voting bloc in Presidential elections.

Biden’s ability to reconcile his personal beliefs with the expectations of a diverse electorate, especially on contentious issues like abortion, will likely be a central point of discussion and scrutiny as he undertakes third presidential run. His past votes and statements on abortion will be evaluated through the lens of his candidacy, potentially influencing voter perception and support in the general election.

Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s journey on the issue of abortion reflects a broader tension faced by many Catholic Democrats, navigating personal beliefs within a political context where abortion rights are a significant and contentious issue. Biden’s evolution from his early years in the Senate to his time as Vice President and beyond underscores this complex interplay between personal faith and political stance.

When Biden first entered the Senate in 1973, he was a 30-year-old Catholic who initially expressed reservations about the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, believing it had gone “too far” on abortion rights. Over the years, he articulated varying views, including in 1974 when he suggested that a woman should not have the sole right to determine what happens to her body. This early stance reflected a more conservative view on abortion rights, which was not uncommon among Catholic politicians at the time.

By the time Biden left the vice presidency in early 2017, he had shifted his position significantly. He publicly argued that the government should not dictate women’s control over their bodies, aligning more closely with the pro-abortion rights stance of the Democratic Party. This transformation mirrored broader shifts in public opinion and within the Democratic Party, where support for abortion rights had solidified as a core issue.

Catholic Democrats like Biden often face criticism and scrutiny from both sides of the abortion debate. While personally opposing abortion based on their religious beliefs, they may support policies that protect abortion rights under the law. This nuanced position reflects a balancing act between personal conviction and political reality, aiming to represent diverse constituencies while staying true to their faith.

The issue remains contentious within the Catholic community as well, with Pew Research Center polls showing Catholics divided on whether abortion should be legal. This division underscores the complexity of navigating religious beliefs and public policy on such a deeply personal and morally fraught issue.

However, certain aspects of Mr. Biden’s legislative history, which lean toward moderate to conservative positions, are prompting concerns within the party. There is skepticism about his ability to garner support from a growing liberal faction that is increasingly focused on stringent criteria regarding race and gender issues in the upcoming 2024 election.

Even before formally announcing his candidacy, Mr. Biden has begun addressing these concerns by asserting to party officials in Delaware that he possesses “the most progressive record” among presidential contenders.

However, the issue of abortion presents a particularly complex challenge for Mr. Biden. With the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict access and the conservative shift in the Supreme Court, many Democrats fear that federal protections for abortion rights will not be reinstated. This has intensified the belief among Democrats that 2024’s president must be a steadfast advocate on abortion issues.

“There is widespread anxiety among women across the country,” noted Ilyse Hogue, president of Naral Pro-Choice America. “Joe Biden aims to position himself as a centrist candidate, but he must recognize that supporting abortion rights aligns with mainstream, moderate views.”

In summary, even as Mr. Biden works to rebut concerns and highlight his progressive credentials, navigating the abortion issue remains a critical and potentially divisive issue within the Democratic Party.