New Poll: Gov. Sununu’s Abortion Ban Deeply Unpopular

CONCORD -- Polling released today from the UNH Survey Center shows that Gov. Chris Sununu’s abortion ban is deeply unpopular, with only one-third of Granite Staters in support of it. Nearly half of independent Granite Staters oppose his ban, as do 27 percent of Republicans.

The polling also shows that only 31 percent of Granite Staters support the provision signed by Gov. Sununu that mandates medically unnecessary, often invasive ultrasounds before abortion care at all stages of pregnancy.

This polling directly contradicts Gov. Sununu’s claims that Granite Staters are supportive of his anti-reproductive freedom provisions. By signing this budget into law, Gov. Sununu authorized the first abortion ban in modern New Hampshire history, ignoring decades of bipartisan support for reproductive rights to push a political agenda as he considers runnng for U.S. Senate.

Statement from Liz Canada, Advocacy Manager for Planned Parenthood NH Action Fund:

“This polling confirms what we have known all along: Governor Chris Sununu’s cruel abortion ban and ultrasound mandate are deeply unpopular and a direct affront to New Hampshire’s longstanding support for reproductive freedom. Granite Staters are furious that Governor Sununu put politics ahead of the health and rights of his constituents. Although he continues to claim he is “pro-choice”, pro-choice governors don’t sign abortion bans. Governor Sununu turned his back on New Hampshire families -- and we will not forget.”

Gov. Sununu’s abortion ban is more extreme than other bans because it has no exceptions for fatal fetal diagnoses, rape, or incest, and an extremely narrow maternal health exception. His ban also criminalizes doctors with up to seven years in prison.

This is the first New Hampshire poll to ask voters specifically about the lack of exceptions in Governor Sununu’s abortion ban.

Strong opposition to abortion ban

56 percent of Granite Staters oppose Gov. Sununu’s abortion ban, while only 33 percent support it.
Nearly half of independent Granite Staters either oppose or strongly oppose his abortion ban.

Strong opposition to ultrasound mandate

More than half of Granite Staters oppose Gov. Sununu’s ultrasound mandate, including nearly one in four Republicans.
Only 27 percent of independent Granite Staters support his ultrasound mandate.

The University of New Hampshire, an independent polling institute, surveyed 1,794 people with a margin of error of 2.3 percent.

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Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund (PPNHAF) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in New Hampshire. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.