Polling released today also shows that most Minnesotans say they will not support a candidate who wants to ban abortion
St. Paul, Minnesota— Sixty percent of Minnesotan voters say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to polling released today by the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund. An overwhelming majority support a proposed state law establishing the fundamental right to abortion, and 65% would oppose new severe restrictions on abortion.
The polling, gathered in March, captures voters’ views before a U.S. Supreme Court decision leaked this week that would overturn almost 50 years of federal abortion protections established under Roe v. Wade. The leaked draft holds no legal authority, and abortion is still safe and legal today.
“The polling is clear: Minnesotans want elected leaders who will protect and expand abortion rights,” said Sarah Stoesz, President of the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund. “The leaked SCOTUS draft is a loud wake-up call that reminds us that elections matter. The justices may be officially non-political, but they are appointed by elected leaders with an overt political agenda. This fall voters will send a strong message that we do not want rights of any kind rolled back, but rather, strengthened.”
The leaked Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade defies the will of voters. When the survey was conducted in March, only 23% of voters thought the decision would be overturned, including just 4% who thought it would definitely be overturned. Almost half (48%) believed Roe would be upheld.
Ahead of the November elections, solid majorities of voters said they are less likely to vote for a candidate who wants to criminalize abortion and fine or arrest doctors who perform abortions, ban all abortions in Minnesota, or has praised the Texas law banning abortion as early as six weeks and awarding $10,000 to those who report people for having abortions.
“Abortion could be a top voting issue this year,” said Tim Stanley, Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund. “It remains to be seen, but we could be embarking on a new reality where securing abortion rights is a top priority for voters this fall.”
A memo of the polling and a presentation of the polling are available.
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Founded in 1992, the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As the advocacy and electoral arm of PPMNS, we mobilize supporters of all parties to defend and increase access to family planning services and fact based, medically accurate sexuality education. We work to inspire and engage citizens to take up the cause of reproductive health and rights through education, electoral activity, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy.
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