Despite the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade nearly two years ago, a majority of Americans continue to support access to abortion.
A recent Pew Research Center survey of 8,709 adults reveals that approximately 6 in 10 Americans believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases, marking a 4 percentage point increase since 2021. This trend suggests a growing commitment to reproductive rights among Americans.
Pew Research Center Survey: Majority of Americans Want Abortion Access
The survey highlights a stark political divide on the issue, with 85% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents supporting legal abortion in most or all cases, compared to just over 40% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.
However, there has been a steady increase in support for abortion access across both political aisles over the years. As seen, 54% of Americans believe the decision to have an abortion belongs solely to the pregnant woman, while 35% agree that human life begins at conception and embryos have rights.
Interestingly, 32% of Americans identify with both statements, indicating a nuanced understanding of the issue. Regardless of political affiliation, about 6 in 10 Americans believe accessing abortion services in their area would be at least somewhat easy, while 4 in 10 anticipate difficulties.
