A few questions for Republicans about abortion

2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley discusses the politics of abortion, why she believes TikTok should be banned and battling Trump's commanding lead in the polls on 'America Reports.'

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Recently, voters sent a very clear message to the Republican Party – when choice is on the ballot, choice wins. 

It’s a message that is supported by the fact that the majority of Americans support access to abortion, and anyone who is not willing to accept this reality is out of step with the American people. 

As I reflect on the incredible victories that Democrats had – solidifying control of both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly, re-electing a pro-choice governor in ruby-red Kentucky, and enshrining abortion access in Ohio’s state constitution, I wonder: 

House Speaker Mike Johnson does not seem to care about the reproductive health of women nor that he is out of step with the American people. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Will members of the GOP ever accept that Americans in both parties are not going to part with fundamental freedoms? 

THE REAL REASON REPUBLICANS AREN'T WINNING SWING VOTERS

As interim president of EMILYs List, a group that is laser focused on electing Democratic pro-choice women up and down the ballot, I often think about what Justice Samuel Alito said in his writing as our constitutional right to an abortion was handed over to the states in the 2021 Dobbs decision, "Women are not without electoral or political power." 

And in every election since then, we have taken Alito’s words to heart. We have risen to the challenge and we continue to win – over and over and over again. 

Voters are too smart to believe the fake promises of "compromise" because we know that one of the most important decisions of a person’s life – when and how to start a family – does not belong in the hands of politicians. 

And as both Democratic and Republican voters continue to speak loudly at the ballot box on this topic, the question remains: Will extreme anti-choice Republicans hear us and stop trying to control our bodies? 

ROLE ABORTION RIGHTS PLAYED ON ELECTION DAY: UNDERESTIMATED BY GOP OR OVERSTATED BY DEMOCRATS?

One day after the incredible victories in Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, we saw Republicans at the GOP presidential primary candidates double down on their anti-choice stances. And after voters in Ohio made their position on abortion access clear through a referendum, Republicans are still planning to work overtime to block the will of the people. 

This is not the anti-democratic America that any of us, no matter party affiliation, should be working toward. Instead, we should be working to maintain the practices that represent the views of the majority. 

That is why the work I do every day is so very important. My colleagues and I know that government works best when it truly represents the interests of the people. The fact remains that on the topic of abortion, the people have spoken. Will Republicans listen? 

The answer to this and all of my questions is seemingly no – not as long as extremism continues to grip the GOP in a tight chokehold with no plans of letting go. 

That especially seems to be what has happened even at the highest ranks with the new speaker of House, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La. Hailing from a state with one of the highest maternal death rates in the nation, Johnson does not seem to care about the reproductive health of women nor that he is out of step with the American people. 

REPUBLICANS HAVE TO GET REAL ABOUT ABORTION TO WIN IN 2024

In 2021, Johnson co-sponsored a bill that would be a total federal abortion ban from conception with no exceptions. This federal abortion ban would overrule any state laws, even in states that have protected abortion rights.

Johnson celebrated efforts to punish providers, specifically praising a Louisiana law that would mean those who provide abortion care can be "imprisoned at hard labor for 1-10 yrs & fined $10K-$100K."

He has made his intention around abortion no secret, saying, "Roe and Casey created a so-called constitutional right to abortion in air quotes. They created it out of thin air."

Johnson also voted against the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation that would codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. 

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It is clear that in the places where it counts – in the halls of power, Republicans aren’t listening to the American people, including a large number of registered Republican voters. They continue to hide their true intentions, but what American voters know is that a ban is a ban, no matter how you slice it. There is no compromise when it comes to our health and our freedom. 

If Republican candidates continue to refuse to listen, Democrats will continue to win.

Republicans, can you understand that?

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Jessica Mackler is the interim president of EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics.

7 best wireless charging stands for phones, smartwatches and more

A portable charger is a good option if your phone loses battery power while you’re out and about but you probably want a more suitable charging solution for your home. That’s where a wireless charging stand comes in. It allows you to power up your device without having to plug it in and the charging stand props your phone up, making it easier to answer texts, read emails, scroll through social media and more.

Along with phones, many charging stands can also add juice to things like smartwatches and AirPods. To help you choose the right charging stand for your needs, we consulted tech experts on what to look for. We then used their guidance to find highly rated charging stands at a variety of price points.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best charging stands | The best charging stands of 2023

We spoke with technology experts from Belkin and Courant about the features and specs to look for in a wireless charging stand. Since they work for brands that make wireless charging stands, we did not ask them for product recommendations. Any products from Belkin or Courant on our list are there because they came highly recommended by NBC Select editors or have at least a 4-star average rating from over 1,000 reviews. Here’s what we kept in mind when sourcing products: 

We consulted with technology experts about what to look for when shopping for a charging stand. After using their guidance, we rounded up highly rated options from top retailers. 

This iPhone-compatible wireless charging stand can also be used to charge your Apple Watch and AirPods. Just know that to power the watch area of the stand you will need to plug in your own Apple Watch charging cable (USB-A version) underneath. It comes with a USB-C cable and 20W USB-C wall charger — a nice addition since many charging stations only come with a cable. Another helpful feature: You can charge your phone vertically or horizontally, and adjust the viewing angle up to 40 degrees to make it easier to read or watch videos as you charge. This charging station has a 4.5-star average rating from 1,578 reviews on Amazon and also comes in a foldable travel style.

This MagSafe stand was made exclusively for Apple products. It folds down into a smooth cube shape, which also makes it a nice option for travel. A disc slides out of one side to charge an Apple Watch, while the top has an adjustable viewing angle of up to 60 degrees to provide a space to charge both your iPhone and AirPods. The phone stand comes with a USB-C charging cord and has a 4.6-star average from 1,293 reviews on Amazon. 

No Apple Watch? This stand from Anker has spots to charge an iPhone and AirPods, along with two LED lights to let you know each device is charging. Similar to the 533, you can adjust the viewing angle of your phone up to 40 degrees while it is charging. This stand has a 4.6-star average rating from 3,308 reviews on Amazon.   

I don’t use an Apple Watch or AirPods, so I only need a charging stand for my phone. I’ve been using this one for over a year and it allows me to prop up my phone so that I can lay on my side in bed and read while it charges. It is Qi-certified, so it will work with both Android phones and iPhones. It has an LED light to indicate that charging is taking place but the light dims at night to avoid disrupting your sleep. I also like that you can charge your phone on this stand in landscape or portrait mode and it has a 4.3-star average rating from 27,463 reviews on Amazon.

This three-in-one stand lets you charge your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time. It uses MagSafe technology to quickly charge your phone wirelessly, and it’s compatible with the Apple Watch Series 7 or later models, according to the brand. This charger has a 4.5-star average rating from 7,112 reviews on Amazon. 

This 3-in-1 charging stand takes up very little desk real estate thanks to the AirPods charging area, which sits directly behind the Apple Watch charger — just nestle them right in the middle of your watch’s band. This stand is Qi-certified, which means it charges iPhones at 7.5W, which makes it slower to charge than MagSafe chargers, which typically charge at 15W. This option has a 4.3-star average from 3,201 reviews on Amazon. 

This streamlined magnetic stand holds your iPhone up, leaving a grooved spot to charge your AirPods directly underneath. The white and stainless steel accents also add a sleek look. It charges your phone at 7.5W and AirPods at 5W and has a 4.5-star average from 551 reviews on Amazon.

How does a charging stand work?

Unlike a traditional charger you plug into your phone, a charging stand works through electromagnetic induction. “A transmitter coil in the stand sends out a signal to a receiving coil in your phone or device,” says Evan Moskal, co-founder of the tech accessory brand Courant. ”Power is then transferred through that field by electrons jumping from one coil to the other to power up the empty battery of the receiving device.”

Are there different types of charging stands for iPhones and Androids?

Some charging stands will work with both iPhones and Androids, while others will only work with one of those options. “Qi certified charging stands provide up to 15W of power but are best for Android devices,” says Worth. “ While they are also compatible with iPhone devices, the iPhone will only receive up to 7.5W of power.” For iPhones, wireless charging stands that utilize MagSafe technology are best. “Introduced in 2020 by Apple, MagSafe provides easy attachment and faster wireless charging at up to 15W for iPhone 12 models and later,” says Worth. It's worth noting that MagSafe chargers are not compatible with most Android devices.

How do multi-device charging stands work?

Some stands can charge multiple devices at once — like your phone, smartwatch and Airpods. They work the same way a charging stand that just charges your phone works. Worried charging multiple devices will slow down the actual charging capabilities? “A multi-device wireless charger should have adequate power capability to charge every device at the same speeds as a single charger,” says Worth.

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she spoke to tech experts about what to consider when shopping for a charging stand.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Bethany Heitman is a contributing editor at NBC Select.

Harry Rabinowitz contributed.