Poll: Most Americans disagree with Supreme Court on abortion safety laws

Last month the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a series of Texas abortion safety laws, including requiring abortionists to have admitting privileges at local hospitals and for abortion facilities to be held to the same standards as other outpatient surgery centers.

While the decision was celebrated by abortion advocates, including Hillary Clinton, a new Knights of Columbus/Marist poll shows that a majority do not agree with the Court.

A strong majority, at 70 percent, “strongly support” (29 percent) or “support” (41 percent) admitting privileges. This includes even a majority of Democrats (63 percent), Independents (71 percent) and pro-choicers (71 percent).

The poll also further breaks down respondents by ethnicity and generation. Again, there are strong majorities in support of abortion safety regulations, particularly from minorities, including 69 percent of African-Americans and 78 percent of Latinos. Millennials are also in support with 77 percent.

When it comes to holding abortion facilities to the same standards as other ambulatory surgical centers, there’s even more support. Seventy-eight percent of voters are in support, including a plurality of 43 percent who “strongly support” standards. This includes 68 percent of Democrats, where again, a plurality, at 38 percent, say they “strongly support.” Eighty-five percent of Independents and 74 percent of pro-choicers are in support.

Across all ethnicities, generations and genders, a plurality say they “strongly support.” At 84 percent, millennials are the most likely to “strongly support” or “support” these abortion safety standards.

The poll also sought opinions on taxpayer-funded abortions, which is part of the Democratic Party Platform. Overall, 62 percent of Americans “oppose” or “strongly oppose” (each enjoying 31 percent of support, a plurality). A majority of Independents also “oppose” (31 percent) or “strongly oppose” (30 percent). A majority of Democrats show support for taxpayer funded abortion, but it’s slight at 52 percent who “support” (34 percent) or “strongly support” (18 percent), compared to the 44 who “oppose” (31 percent) or “strongly oppose” (13) percent. The percentages are almost exact for those who self-identify as pro-choice, with 52 percent supporting and 45 percent opposing.

The poll found strong support for conscience protections as well, just after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conscience Protection Act, as Cassy Fiano reported.