A new poll has found that 76% of Americans favour significant restrictions on abortion. The survey, commissioned by the fraternal order the Knights of Columbus, was carried out by The Marist Poll.
The poll examined pro-choice and pro-life stances across a number of issues: the use of tax dollars to fund abortions abroad and at home, the time frame of abortions and the interpretation of the Roe v. Wade.
Of those polled, 76% favoured restrictions on abortion, 10% supported its use in the first six months of pregnancy and 15% during the entire pregnancy.
A majority (53%) of Americans identify as pro-choice. When split by party, 77% of Democrats and 20% of Republicans were pro-choice. However, the figure fluctuated according to the debate. “Given a broader choice of policy options, there is a strong consensus among Americans on abortion,” said Dr. Barbara Carvalho, Director of The Marist Poll.
A majority of Americans opposed or strongly apposed the use of tax dollars to fund abortion at home (58%) or overseas (77%), 55% of Democrats and 95% of Republicans. Among those respondents who identified as pro-Choice the figure was 34% and 64% respectively.
On the question of whether laws can protect the health and well-being of a woman and the life of the unborn 80% said that they can protect both, and only 14% said they must choose.
On the interpretation of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, 48% favoured certain restrictions being determined by each state while 31% favoured its use without restriction and 17% wanting it to be illegal.
The poll was commissioned ahead of the March for Life and following President Biden’s proposal to repeal the Mexico City Policy that would permit the use of federal funds to finance abortions overseas.
Though this year the event will be virtual, there will be a small gathering and march in Washington D.C.
The Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl Anderson, noted the “strong bipartisan majorities” in favour of abortion restrictions and against the use of taxpayer money to fund abortion overseas.
“Our polling has shown consistently over the past decade that policies that promote abortion on demand paid for by taxpayers are divisive and out of step with American public opinion,” he said.
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