What Do Americans Believe About Abortion?

This week the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas law in what is considered its most significant ruling on abortion since 1992. The law, which would have required Texas clinics and doctors to comply with tighter regulations, was deemed to place an undue burden on women exercising their right to end a pregnancy. The ruling has sparked a renewed debate on abortion, and raises the question: Does the Court’s decision reflect the broader consensus on abortion among the American population? 

In Barna’s most recent poll, the majority of adults say they believe abortion should be either legal in all cases (30%) or in most cases (34%). Smaller percentages believe it should either be illegal in most cases (23%) or in all cases (13%). These findings indicate that two-thirds of Americans (64%) likely favor the recent ruling. A significant minority, however, likely laments the decision (36%). Look out for a more in-depth look at issues of life and death in a research release in the coming days.