Popularity of Abortion Continues to Drop

by Steve Eastman, Faith Issues

According to a new Gallup poll, we now have the smallest percentage of Americans calling themselves “pro-choice” since the company started asking the question in 1995.

The figure has dropped to 41 percent, with 50 percent of Americans identifying as “pro-life.”  Gallup is now calling “pro-choice”  the new normal.
 
Results were similar, although not quite identical in 2009 when 42 percent were pro-choice and 51 percent “pro-life.”

It’s interesting to look at the breakdown by political parties.  72 percent of Republicans are “pro-life” with 22 percent “pro-choice.”  The number of ‘pro-choice” Democrats is at the lowest level in nine years — down to 58 percent.  On the other hand, 34 percent of Democrats are now “pro-life.”  And “pro-lifers” outnumber “pro-choicers” 47 to 41 percent among independents.

Sadly, when the question is phrased a little differently, the results shift, but presumably, just in “special” cases.  52 percent of Americans say abortion should be legal under some circumstances.

© 2012 Faith Issues