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Thursday, May 24, 2012

‘Pro-choice’ Americans Found in Record-Low Minority

A record low 41 percent of Americans identify themselves as “pro-choice” on abortion, according to a poll released Wednesday, while the number of Americans who say they are “pro-life” bounced back into the majority.

The results from the Gallup Poll survey confirm a sharp turnaround in personal attitudes about abortion in the 17 years since the polling firm first asked the question. In 1995, the first year of the poll, 56 percent of respondents described themselves as pro-choice on abortion, compared with 33 percent who were pro-life.

The results could have ramifications on the campaign trail this fall, with President Obama, who is pro-choice, facing GOP challenger Mitt Romney, who is pro-life and supports the rights of states to set their own policies on abortion.

Pollsters and social scientists say they cannot say for sure why views have shifted, nor is it clear that Americans will maintain these positions.

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

While those polled might personally feel abortion is wrong for them, I still believe a majority of people don't want the government, federal or state, legislating what is still a woman's body and her choice to become a mother or not. Make it an issue and see what the voters do. I'd be willing to bet the poll wouldn't look the same at the polls.

Anonymous said...

Nor do religious organizations being mandated to support it.

Anonymous said...

Its easy to see why it has shifted....If you abort the baby then you can't get free govt handouts.