On a recent, cool October night, Catherine Pollard went door-to-door in Johnston, a Des Moines suburb, trying to rally support for two local Democrats who support abortion rights and are running for the Iowa Legislature in competitive districts.
Pollard, an intern with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa’s Political Action Committee, was armed with a pink clipboard and a list of registered Democrats who haven’t voted consistently.
She ran into Cindy Hickman in her driveway before she could even reach her door. Hickman’s husband, David, was on her list.
After Hickman quickly reassured Pollard that David will be voting Democratic in this election, Pollard asked one final question: Is there any issue this election that she’s passionate about?
Hickman first said she’s concerned about some education policies in the state before quickly launching into abortion.
“A woman’s right to her own body. We have five grandkids. Some of those pregnancies haven’t been easy. I really would resent the idea that I have to call the governor to find out how my daughter should have medical care,” she said.