Poll: Two-Thirds of U.S. Adults Say Abortion Should Be Legal Despite State Bans

Three years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to set their abortion regulations, a recent nationwide poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that a majority of Americans continue to support the legality of abortion.

This week's survey showed that 64% of U.S. adults are in favor of legal abortion in all or most circumstances, reflecting a viewpoint that closely mirrors public sentiment before the 2022 ruling.

In June 2022, the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned years of federal safeguards, leading to a surge of legislative actions at the state level. Since that time, 12 states have implemented complete bans on abortion. In comparison, four additional states restrict the procedure after about six weeks of pregnancy—frequently before individuals are even aware that they are pregnant. The public's perception of access to abortion has not changed much in spite of these severe restrictions.

Approximately 50% of adults in the U.S. believe that abortion should be permitted in their state, regardless of the reasons for not wanting to continue a pregnancy. This perspective aligns with sentiments noted in June 2021 and shows only a slight decrease compared to 2023, when support increased after the Court's ruling. This feeling is shared beyond state boundaries. Individuals residing in states with the most stringent prohibitions are equally as inclined as those in more lenient states to believe that abortion should be accessible to anyone who desires it.

The survey reveals ongoing divisions along party lines. Support for legal abortion has seen a slight decline among both major political parties since 2023. Nevertheless, nearly 90% of Democrats continue to advocate for access in all or most situations, while approximately 40% of Republicans share that view. However, the real consequences of recent legislation have led some people to reconsider their positions.

Wilaysha White, a 25-year-old mother from Ohio who describes herself as a “semi-Republican,” revealed that her perspectives have evolved over the years. Despite her regrets regarding an abortion she underwent while experiencing homelessness, White expresses her current support for legal access, citing narratives that underscore the risks associated with restrictive laws. A noteworthy incident in Georgia resulted in the arrest of a woman following a miscarriage, a situation that deeply troubled White.

"It's alarming to witness women facing serious health issues and not receiving priority—that's truly frightening," White expressed. “I prefer it to be universally accepted rather than the alternative.”

As the legal situation surrounding abortion shifts across the United States, it is clear that public sentiment strongly supports the safeguarding of access. The results indicate that, despite changes in politics and legislation, a significant portion of the American population does not support the country's most stringent abortion regulations.

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