Most Americans want Congress to bring back Roe v. Wade protections.
Recent polls have revealed a stark contrast in the opinions of Americans when it comes to federal legislation regarding abortion rights. While 30% of Americans would oppose efforts to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade, a significant majority is in favor of such legislation. This historic ruling allowed abortion rights up to 22 or 23 weeks of pregnancy, also known as the point of “viability.”
However, since the Supreme Court overturned Roe, 14 states have implemented total bans on abortion, with another seven restricting the procedure to earlier stages of pregnancy, ranging from six to 18 weeks. The impact of these laws on political races has been significant, with analysts noting that Republican candidates have lost winnable races due to their stance on abortion.
One key state that has recently garnered attention in the abortion debate is Arizona. The state’s 1864 abortion ban, which lacks exceptions for cases of rape or incest and enforces strict penalties on doctors who perform the procedure, has faced criticism from a majority of Americans. A survey revealed that 57% oppose reinstating such a ban, while only 25% support it. Similarly, 56% of Americans oppose the implementation of abortion bans similar to Arizona’s in other states.
When considering the implications for the upcoming presidential election, it is essential to note the differing approaches of former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden towards abortion rights. Trump, who previously considered a 15-week national abortion ban, stated that he would leave such decisions to individual states if reelected. On the other hand, Biden has emphasized the importance of passing legislation in Congress to safeguard the protections of Roe v. Wade in every state.
Biden’s stance on abortion rights is notably more popular among voters, with 56% expressing support for his position. A majority of voters believe that individual states should not set their own abortion policies, indicating a preference for a unified federal approach. When compared to Trump, more voters perceive the Republican Party and the former president as holding extreme views on abortion.
Furthermore, most voters oppose the idea of Congress passing a nationwide 15-week abortion ban, with a majority stating that they would be likely to vote against a candidate who supports banning most abortions legalized under Roe v. Wade. A significant portion of voters express a preference for their states to keep all or most abortions legal post-Roe v. Wade.
The current landscape of abortion legislation and the contrasting positions of political figures highlight the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights in the United States. As the country navigates these complex issues, the opinions of Americans continue to shape the direction of future policies and decisions regarding abortion.
