ISSUE GUIDES: Abortion

PUBLIC VIEW: PEOPLE’S CHIEF CONCERNS
  • Americans are divided on whether they are pro-choice or pro-life, but slightly more than half say abortion is morally wrong
  • Views on abortion have not changed significantly since the 1970s
  • Most Americans say abortion is a low legislative priority and not an important factor when deciding whom to support for...
  • More than half of Americans say deeply religious politicians should be willing to compromise when voting on abortion
  • Majorities say that even if abortions were illegal, a woman who wanted one would find a way to have one
  • Half of Americans say they know someone who has had an abortion and two-thirds say she considered it the best decision
  • Few people object to birth control
  • Most Americans say they don't know enough about the abortion pill to say if it is safe and effective
  • Men and women hold similar views on the legality of abortion