The Polling Is Clear: Stop Calling Abortion a “Divisive” Issue

The Majority of Americans Overwhelmingly Oppose Overturning Roe v. Wade

Washington, D.C. — There are a number of issues that divide Americans: chocolate or vanilla; pineapples on pizza; how to spell health care (Planned Parenthood’s style guide is clear, it’s TWO WORDS), soda or pop; was the dress blue or gold; the finale of the Sopranos.

You know what Americans aren't divided on? The idea that abortion should be legal and that Roe v. Wade should not be overturned.

On Friday, ahead of the 49th anniversary of Roe v Wade, CNN published its new poll, conducted by SSRS, showing broad support for abortion rights and the landmark Supreme Court ruling. This poll is in line with historical trends and multiple recent polls that show an overwhelming majority of Americans support the right to abortion across the political spectrum, and that is far from the “divisive” issue that it is often described as by mainstream media outlets.

Despite the clear facts, a vocal minority of out-of-touch politicians continue to push for abortion bans and restrictions at the state level, and the Supreme Court could overturn Roe this summer – in direct opposition to the will of the American people who support access to safe, legal abortion.

Key Polling

CNN (Conducted Jan. 13-18, 2022)

Nearly 70% of Americans do not want the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.
85% of Democrats, 72% of Independents, and 44% of Republicans do not want the Supreme Court to overturn Roe.
The majority of Americans say that if Roe v. Wade were overturned, they'd like their state to set laws that are more permissive than restrictive toward abortion.
The majority of Americans would like to see their state become a "safe haven" for women who want abortions but can't get them where they live.

Fox News (Conducted Dec. 15, 2021)

Nearly two-thirds (65%) want Roe to remain the law of the land.
Over half of Republicans (53%) joined majorities of Democrats (77%) and independents (64%) in saying Roe should remain the law of the land.
Seven in 10 white Catholics (72%) and about half of white evangelical Christians (49%) also said the decision should stand.

Washington Post-ABC (Conducted Nov. 7 to 10, 2021)

Americans say by a roughly 2-to-1 margin that the Supreme Court should uphold its landmark abortion decision in Roe v. Wade, and by a similar margin the public opposes a Texas law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
75% say decisions on abortion should be left to the woman and her doctor, including 95% of Democrats, 81% of independents and 53% of Republicans.

Marquette (Conducted Sept. 2021)

Voters oppose overturning Roe by a 30 point margin.

Gallup Poll (Conducted May 3-18, 2021)

80% of the American public think abortion should be legal.

The polls are consistent with polling conducted by Planned Parenthood Action Fund, American Bridge 21st Century, and EMILY’s List indicating that support for abortion rights is a winning issue heading into the 2022 midterm elections. And support for safe, legal abortion has only increased over the years.

The Supreme Court is currently considering a Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, that could dismantle Roe and the constitutional right to abortion.

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.