New Marist poll reveals nearly 80% of Americans oppose unrestricted abortion

The new 2023 Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll has revealed that though 61% of those surveyed consider themselves to be pro-choice, 69% want abortion to be significantly restricted — which seems highly contradictory, especially upon investigating when Americans would restrict the procedure.

According to the poll, 79% of Americans do not want abortion on demand through all nine months of pregnancy, as was allowed under Roe v. Wade and as abortion advocates and pro-abortion politicians are seeking. In addition, the poll indicates that 69% of Americans want abortion restricted even earlier than six months, the so-called assumed point of ‘viability’.

“Nearly 7 in 10 Americans believe abortion should be limited,” said Dr. Barbara L. Carvalho, Director of the Marist Poll. “After a year of contentious public debate over the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision [overturning Roe], the results are comparable to the findings of a Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll conducted last January.”

Of the 69%, 25% of Americans said abortion should be allowed only in the first three months of pregnancy (the first trimester). Most abortions currently take place within this time frame.

But perhaps even more significantly, 26% said abortion should only be allowed in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother, and 10% said abortion should only be allowed to save the life of the mother, while 8% said abortion should never be allowed for any reason. This means that 44% of those polled would outlaw abortion in nearly all cases (except for the rare exceptions) — a surprisingly large number.

When the numbers are broken down by political party, only 32% of Democrats, 4% of Republicans, and 20% of Independents said that abortion should be allowed on demand throughout pregnancy. Forty-nine percent (49%) of Democrats want abortion restricted to the first three months or only allowed in cases or rape, incest, or life of the mother — compared to 93% of Republicans and 70% of Independents who feel the same.

In addition to the majority of Americans (across all political parties) wanting more protections for preborn children, 60% of respondents said they oppose taxpayer funding of abortions in the U.S., and 78% oppose U.S. funding of international abortions.

An astounding 77% also think healthcare professionals who object to abortion should not be required to participate in abortions, and 60% are opposed to abortion due to a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

An overwhelming 91% of respondents said they support pregnancy resource centers that offer resources and assistance to mothers during pregnancy and after the baby is born. Politicians including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D.-Mass) are working to shut down pregnancy resource centers, which have faced widespread violent attacks since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022.

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