Poll: 70 percent of Americans want the government to quit trying to restrict abortion

[DonViejo]

Despite heated political rhetoric, most Americans have nuanced views on abortion and believe it's a personal thing

KATIE MCDONOUGH

It was right before the 2008 elections that I found myself, almost by accident, talking to a friend’s mother about abortion and reproductive rights. She said she considered herself conservative on most issues and reliably voted for Republican candidates, but when John McCain’s record on abortion came up she remarked, “Who am I to make that decision for someone else? It’s not my business if someone gets an abortion.”

There are lots of people in this country who feel the same way, according to a new poll from NARAL Pro-Choice America. According to the national poll, nearly 70 percent of Americans don’t want to see more abortion restrictions enacted because they don’t want the government making that decision for anyone. The poll used a series of nuanced questions to collect the data, leaving more room for people to express their views beyond “pro-choice” and “pro-life.” Respondents were asked to select which of the following statements “came closest” to their own view: “I believe having an abortion is morally acceptable and should be legal,” “I am personally against abortion for myself and my family, but I don’t believe government should prevent a woman from making that decision for herself,” or “I believe having an abortion is morally wrong and should be illegal.”

Most respondents — 45 percent — identified most with the second statement, noting that they personally opposed abortion but didn’t want the government making the decision for people. Around 23 percent of respondents came out in full support of abortion rights, and around 24 percent came out against abortion rights without exception. According to the self-reported political leanings of the respondents, most identified as either conservative or somewhat conservative.

I think abortion is basic medical care. I think it’s moral. I know it’s incredibly safe. I know that the people who access this care have thought through their decisions, and I know that the doctors who perform abortion services are good doctors. I’m one category of person who falls under the headline “pro-choice.” But I know there are people who feel differently, but who still don’t want to see medical decisions being made by politicians instead of individuals and doctors.

more
http://www.salon.com/2014/08/19/poll_70_percent_of_americans_want_the_government_to_quit_trying_to_restrict_abortion/

[merrily]

1. Yet another liberal view that polls at about 70% or above.

[n2doc]

2. I call bullshit

If this is so true, why the overwhelming support for fetus worshippers in a large number of of states? Why is Greg Abbott, a vehement fetus-worshipper, leading Wendy Davis in Texas?

Bullcrap. People may say this to a pollster, but the ones who vote in the red states are dominated by fetus worshipping fools.

[BrotherIvan]

4. You are putting up complex questions

There are many reasons why people vote Republican, abortion is not the only one. I would assume Gawd, Gunz, Gays and basic tax avoidance are the true reasons. For the most part, except for true fundies, men don't care about abortion. They use this issue to get conservative women to the polls.

But what it is showing is that even a lot of those who vote Republican are not for government intervention into people's choices. I know more than a few women who did not choose to have an abortion but are adamant that that choice must be available to whoever wants it. That's what "pro-choice" means. I also have seen many women comment that they might have been slightly on the fence or anti-abortion, but after they had a child, they saw what a life-changing event it was and that a parent should be ready to provide and care for that child.

I also think the media blows the evangelical movement WAY out of proportion. Just like Tea Party rallies where ten people showed up would get major coverage. They may be incredibly loud and dedicated, but that doesn't mean there are a lot of them.

[trublu992]

3. Then why the hell don't they vote on it.

[tblue37]

5. Because for many of them abortion is not the defining issue that determines their vote.

As someone else says upthread, a lot of people vote Republican because of the god, guns, or gays issues.

I think a lot also vote Republican because of tribalism. They have always identified as Republican, and probably their parents and the rest of their family and community always have, too.