If 84% of Americans Stand Against These Abortions, Why Are They Legal?

The vast majority of Americans are still very uncomfortable with abortion, according to a new Knights of Columbus-Marist poll. The survey finds support for abortion restrictions among both “pro-life” and “pro-choice” supporters.

Of all Americans, 84 percent wants significant restrictions on abortion, and would limit it to, at most, the first three months of pregnancy. This includes almost 7 in 10 (69 percent) who identify themselves as “pro-choice.” 

The same percentage (84 percent) also says that laws can protect both the well-being of a woman and the life of the unborn.

In addition, by more than 20 points (60 percent to 38 percent), Americans say abortion is morally wrong.

“Four decades after Roe v. Wade, the American people remain unhappy with its legacy,” said Knights of Columbus CEO Carl Anderson. “The survey makes clear that the American people understand that abortion is far too common, and causes great harm. And even those who consider themselves ‘pro-choice’ want it reduced significantly. It is time that our lawmakers respond to this public consensus with appropriate legislation.”

Other key findings of the survey include:

• 64 percent says the nation’s abortion rate is higher than it should be. Only 7 percent thinks it is too low.
   
• 78 percent supports parental notification before a minor can obtain an abortion.
   
• 68 percent opposes taxpayer funding of abortion, while only 28 percent supports it.
   
• By nearly 3 to 1, Americans see abortion as doing a woman more harm than good in the long run (59 percent to 22 percent).
   
• By 20 points (57 percent to 37 percent), Americans support proposed legislation that would permit medical professionals and organizations to refuse to provide abortions or refer patients for abortions.

In light of the ongoing controversy over the HHS contraception, sterilization and abortifacient mandate, it is notable that 70 percent of Americans also support religious liberty rights when religious values conflict with the law.

The survey of 2,079 adults was conducted Jan. 7 through Jan. 13, 2015, by the Marist Poll and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the continental United States were interviewed by telephone using live interviewers. Results are statistically significant within ±2.1 percentage points. The error margin increases for cross-tabulations.

For more details about the survey results and methodology visit kofc.org/polls.

The Knights of Columbus has worked with the Marist Poll to survey Americans on moral issues since 2008.