New polling suggests the likely Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade could prove to be explosive this fall. A CBS News/YouGov poll taken in the three days following the bombshell news (May 4-6) found that fully 50% of Roe supporters reported being "surprised" the landmark ruling might be overturned.
That represents a total shock to a political system in which a sizable portion of the electorate considered the landmark 1973 decision guaranteeing the right to an abortion to be settled law.
The survey found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans said the high court should keep the original ruling "as is," including 90% of Democrats, 68% of independents, and 38% of Republicans—all numbers that are very much in line with previous polling on the issue. Frankly, 38% of Republicans saying it should be left in place is a notable data point on a matter that could become a wedge issue this fall. Just 36% of respondents overall favored overturning the decision.
Support for Leaving Roe “As Is," or "Overturning" It
|
Leave As Is |
Overturn It |
| All |
64% |
36% |
| Democrats |
90% |
10% |
| Independents |
68% |
32% |
| Republicans |
38% |
62% |
But perhaps most importantly, the survey showed that the radical nature of the draft opinion has come as a jolt to the system of Roe supporters. Among those who wanted it left in place, 70% said they felt "discouraged," 68% reported feeling "angry," 61% said they were "scared," and 50% felt "surprised."
Impact of draft ruling on Supporters of Roe
| Supporters said it made them feel: |
Percentage |
| Discouraged |
70% |
| Angry |
68% |
| Scared |
61% |
| Surprised |
50% |
Those who want Roe left in place also feel strongly that overturning it would have corrosive effects:
- 84% said it would "move the country in the wrong direction"
- 82% said it would be "a danger to women"
- 82% said it would be "dangerous for Americans' rights."
82% of Roe supporters also favored passing a federal law legalizing abortion, in the survey. Overall, 58% of respondents supported codifying Roe into federal law. Conversely, just 33% of respondents supported passing a federal law making abortion illegal, while 67% of Americans oppose criminalizing abortion.
Christine Pelosi talks about the Supreme Court's leaked decision on Roe v. Wade, and what Democrats are doing now, on Daily Kos’ The Brief podcast
