Abortion is big ’20 issue
Poll shows topic rallies Democrats; the majority of those surveyed are against fetal heartbeat bills
WASHINGTON – The recent legislative crackdowns on abortion are energizing Democratic voters for the 2020 presidential election, according to a USA TODAY/Ipsos poll, which also shows most Americans are dismayed by the intensifying efforts across the country to limit abortions.
By 55%-45%, those surveyed oppose the fetal heartbeat laws passed in five states that bar abortions after the pulsing of an embryo can be detected, which can happen as early as the sixth week of pregnancy. By a 73%-27% margin, they oppose seeing all abortion facilities in their states closed. The nationwide poll of 1,005 adults, taken online Friday and Saturday, has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.5 points.
“Despite the strong emotions that abortion elicits, we find that most Americans are not absolutists on the issue, understanding its many nuances.” Cliff Young
President, Ipsos Public Affairs
WASHINGTON – Most Americans are dismayed by efforts across the country to limit abortions, a USA TODAY/Ipsos poll said, and the issue is energizing Democrats for the 2020 election.
By 55%-45%, those surveyed oppose the so-called fetal heartbeat laws passed in five states that bar abortions after the pulsing of an embryo can be detected, which can happen as early as the sixth week of pregnancy. By nearly three to one, 73%-27%, they oppose seeing all abortion facilities in their states closed, a possibility in Missouri.
There is broad support among those on both sides of the debate for the Supreme Court to hear cases involving the new state laws. Half said the high court should uphold the right to abortion established in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, and another 30% said Roe v. Wade should be upheld but with strict limits allowed.
Which voters are energized?
The limits on abortion have been driven in large part by Republican-controlled legislatures, but their success in passing laws is energizing Democratic voters. A 52% majority of Democrats said the renewed abortion debate makes them more likely to vote in the 2020 elections. In contrast, 55% of Republicans said the debate will have no effect on their likelihood to vote.
Public’s attitude quite nuanced
The public’s attitude toward abortion is more complicated and shaded than the black-and-white divide in the political world.
Although the GOP platform opposes abortion without citing any exceptions, Republicans are particularly fractured on the issue. One-third of Republicans (34%) said Roe v. Wade should be overturned. A third (32%) said Roe v. Wade should be upheld, and another third (34%) said the basic legality of abortion should be upheld but with strict limits allowed.
Among Democrats, 67% support upholding Roe v. Wade; 22% said the basic legality should be upheld but strict limits allowed; 10% said it should be overturned.
Legal challenges expected
In the survey, 26% said abortion should be legal in all cases and 28% said it should be legal in most cases. Thirteen percent said it should be illegal and 24% said it should be illegal in most cases.
Some states have passed restrictions in hopes of provoking a Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade or erode its protections for abortion rights.
None of the laws have taken effect, and virtually all of them are likely to face legal challenges.
The USA TODAY/Ipsos poll surveyed 400 Democrats, with a credibility interval of 5.8 points, and 348 Republicans, with a credibility interval of 6 points.