Abortion Opponents Take (Probably Short-Lived) Lead In Gallup Poll

There have been numerous headlines over the past few months in which various polling organizations have announced that, for the first time, a majority now supports legalization of same-sex marriages. There have been enough polls showing this to suggest a trend. We would hope that this would correspond to more liberal views in other areas, but that is not always the case.

The trend with regards to abortion rights is far less clear. Typically a majority supports the continued legalization of abortion, with opponents of abortion rights occasionally taking the lead.  Gallup showed such a shift today with “pro-life” moving ahead of “pro-choice” for the first time since 2008, leading 49 percent to 45 percent. Needless to say, some  conservative blogs are getting quite excited over this probably transient lead.

Not surprisingly, the breakdown came along party lines, with independents and, to a much greater extent, Democrats, supporting abortion rights. Republicans were opposed by a margin of 67 percent to 28 percent. In the long run, the most important numbers might be breakdown by age. Both the 18-34 and 35-54 age groups classified themselves as “pro-choice.” The overall trend remains towards freedom, regardless of any temporary gains by the authoritarian right.

2 Comments

  1. 1
    Mugwumpie says:

    Abortion Opponents Take Probably Short-Lived Lead In Gallup Poll; Those under 55 support abortion rights. #p2 #topprog http://t.co/8VlCscD

  2. 2
    Brett says:

    Abortion Opponents Take Probably Short-Lived Lead In Gallup Poll; Those under 55 support abortion rights. #p2 #topprog http://t.co/8VlCscD

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