Gallup has released a
new poll showing an increase in Americans reclaiming their views and beliefs on reproductive choice. Lydia Saad reports:
PRINCETON, N.J. -- Half of Americans consider themselves "pro-choice" on abortion, surpassing the 44% who identify as "pro-life." This is the first time since 2008 that the pro-choice position has had a statistically significant lead in Americans' abortion views.
Gallup reports the increase has occurred almost equally among men and women. The biggest change by age since 2001 is that middle-aged and older Americans are more likely to be pro-choice today, while the percentage of young adults who identify with the term is about the same.
Trend in Percentage Identifying as "Pro-Choice" on Abortion, by Age
Saad continues:
The pro-choice view is not as prevalent among Americans as it was in the mid-1990s, but the momentum for the pro-life position that began when Barack Obama took office has yielded to a pro-choice rebound. That rebound has essentially restored views to where they were in 2008; today's views are also similar to those found in 2001. Some of the variation in public views on abortion over time coincides with political and cultural events that may have helped shape public opinion on the issue, including instances of anti-abortion violence, legislative efforts to ban "partial-birth abortion" or limit abortion funding, and certain Supreme Court cases. While events like these may continue to cause public views on abortion to fluctuate, the broader liberal shift in Americans' ideology of late could mean the recent pro-choice expansion has some staying power.
With more Americans identifying themselves as pro-choice, they will soon find out women's rights are under attack at an alarming rate. According to
Guttmacher Institute:
By the end of the first quarter of the year, legislators had introduced 791 provisions related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Nearly 42% of these provisions (332 provisions) seek to restrict access to abortion services; abortion restrictions have been introduced in 43 states. By April 1, 2015, fifty-three abortion restrictions had been approved by a legislative chamber, and nine had been enacted.
The time couldn't be any sooner to unify, stand up, and speak out for a woman's right to choose what's best for her body, her future, her life. To learn more or get involved, here are 11 pro-choice organizations on Facebook to visit/like/support:
Planned Parenthood
Emily's List
NARAL/Pro-Choice America
NOW
4000 Years For Choice
UniteWomen.org
Abortion.com
Abigail Adams Brigade
Fight Laws Against Women
Pro-Choice Liberals
Center For Reproductive Rights
To read the entire story and other statistics about this poll, you can visit:
Gallup.com.