Most Americans remain opposed to overturning the controversial Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which 40 years ago legalized abortion at least in the first three months of pregnancy, according to a poll released Wednesday.
The poll by the Pew Research Center found that 63 percent of Americans believe that Roe v. Wade should not be completely overturned, compared to 29 percent who believe it should be. These opinions have changed little from surveys conducted in 2003 and 1992, Pew reported.
While many of the social issues have changed over the years, American opinions really haven’t changed all that much. Accessibility to abortion has certainly gotten tighter. 4 states are down to having one clinic left and if anti-choice activists have their way, there will be no abortion services in Mississippi, South Dakota, Arkansas, or North Dakota. Clinic directors and doctors are often stalked. In no other business would this kind of behavior be legally allowed.
Why are services shrinking? Anti choice forces continue to whittle away at abortion rights on the state level. Additionally, fewer physicians provide the service, mainly because activists harass doctors who provide services. It is impossible for providers to offer more than one service.
Virginia is in danger of losing many of its clinics because of recently enacted TARP laws. Clinics providing abortion services were selected and targetted to undergo extreme structural changes like those in a hospital , under the guise of patient safety, last year. The regulations are disingenuous. Other out-patient clinics offering other services were not singled out for special structural changes and higher standards. An attempt was made by the state health department committee to grandfather in the existing clinics. The Attorney General over-rules this group’s effort. Ultra-sound mandates are also required for Virginia women seeking an abortion, adding expense to an already costly service.
So rights aren’t necessarily rights. We know that on January 22, 1973 the Roe v Wade Decision was handed down by the Supreme Court. Since that day, there has been a never-ending assault on the rights contained within that decision.
How do Americans feel about the issue of legal abortion? Those opposed to abortion have certainly won the war of words. They would describe themselves as “pro life.” Well, who the hell is “anti-life”? No one. No one is pro-abortion. However, many “pro-life” people call those who fight for abortion to remain safe, legal and rare, “pro-abortion.” Let’s look at some of the demographics:
…[T]he abortion issue shows only modest generational differences, and no gender gap.
Those most likely to favor upholding Roe v. Wade at 69 percent are the “baby boomers” aged 50-64, who were children or young adults when the case was decided on January 22, 1973. This group was followed by those 18-29 years old, who favored upholding the decision by 68 percent.
There are still wide religious differences over whether to overturn Roe v. Wade and the morality of abortion, the poll found. White evangelical Protestants are the only religious group in which a majority – 54 percent – favors overturning the decision.
Large percentages of white mainline Protestants (76 percent), black Protestants (65 percent) and white Catholics (63 percent) say the ruling should not be overturned.
Should Roe v Wade be overturned sometime in the future, abortion would revert to the states. Most states have it covered already. Let’s face it, most people rarely think about abortion. It is a sad chapter in life of women who feel they must end a pregnancy, for whatever reason. Activists on both sides are keeping the engines of change going. Its very possible that the average American has no clue what is going on in their state house or even Congress as it relates to this deeply personal situation.
The only time most people pay attention is if they or someone near and dear to them find themselves in a bad situation and need the service. If Americans don’t wake up and take a stand, then should that day ever come, it just might be too late. Legal abortion could very well become illegal. The candles on that 40th birthday cake are flickering and burning a little too close to the cake.
According to Mark Murray:
In addition, 70% say that Roe v Wade SHOULD NOT be overturned — that’s the highest percentage on this question since ’89
Both of the plantifs in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton believe it should be overturned:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/two-women-legalized-abortion-in-america-now-both-of-them-want-it-reversed
It really isn’t up to them. Obviously they no longer have standing.
Norma McCorvey has been many things in her life. Carnie barker, mother, lesbian, abortion clinic advisor, atheist, born-again-Christian, just to name a few. Consistency is not one of them.
She was mighty happy in 1989 when I saw her and talked to her. Gloria Allred was squiring her around and Sarah Weddington was holding court. She was obvious at the time. I have never altered my opinion.
If I am not mistaken, when the case was heard, I believe McCorvey was the figurehead for all women. It might have been a class action.
I expect lifesitenews.com is probably somewhat biased.
Lifesitenews.com is definitely biased. When I see the term pro-abort used to describe people who share my beliefs, I know there is an agenda.
Additionally, “Doe” is less than honest about what Doe v Bolton really says. Nothing gives a thumbs up to abortion through all 9 months of pregnancy for any reason.
It certainly took a great many years for both of the women to get their “consciences.” How many years of working on them did it take? OR tends to not give up.
This is good. I hope the republicans pay attention to these polls if they ever get tired of losing elections.
People have every right to be against abortion. Its very simple. Those opposed to abortion shouldn’t have one. What other people do is simply none of their business, as long asd the law is being followed. Those people who are so adamantly opposed to abortion need to do everything in their power to see that safe, reliable contraception is available to all women.
Secondly, those who oppose abortion should be willing to support all all govt. programs that support children in economically disadvantaged families. Churches should help by providing food and child care for those who have a hard time paying for it themelves so they can work.
People who aren’t willing to do these things really should just keep their opinions to themselves.
Abortion is a legal medical procedure.
I am tired of the sneakiness and legislative disingenuousness.
The common ground is contraception for anyone who wants it.
I see my side lined up at the common ground line. Where is the other side? many are still quaking and quivering over those dirty nasty pills.
See you at the line for a real conversation.
Roe v. Wade and LBJ’s death happened the same day, if my murky memory serves me adequately. I remember the time very well, as I was finishing law school, had no use for LBJ but was not insensitive to the inherent tragedy of the man in his later years, and was madly in love (but not with LBJ, obviously). Heady times.
I did not know that! Lynda Johnson Robb is very supportive of abortion rights.
@Scout, You are absolutely correct about Johnson and Roe v Wade Day. I sure didn’t realize that.
I consider myself pro-choice, but I do find it to be in poor taste to have a ‘birthday’ cake to celebrate this anniversary and reference the 40 candles on the ‘birthday’ cake. Might just be me but that’s my 2 cents.
No one is holding a gun to your head forcing you to be here to witness my poor taste. Did you read the entire piece? The cake goes with the last paragraph. Didn’t think so.
Legal and safe abortion has guaranteed the lives of many women who would otherwise have died from complications due to botched abortions. The birthday cake celebrates their lives in my opinion.
No one WANTS an abortion, but throughout the ages, women have figure out ways to end unwanted pregnancies, its that simple. The goal is to make abortion safe and legal while reducing the numbers of inintended pregnancies. The continued assault, yes assault, on Planned Parenthood, is THE most ignorant response to abortion I have ever witnessed. Planned Parenthood has done more to provide affordable contraception and well woman visits than ANY organization in the United States. It isn’t just that they provide gynocological care, they provide and enviornment that doesn’t judge you. Their goal is to prevent pregnancy and a host of nasty STD’s. I did my internship there and boy did I see the care and kindness they provide to all walks of people, all ethnicities, all socioeconomic classes, and sexual orientation.
Va. Senator Dick Black showed his ignorance on the floor of the VA senate on Monday. He compares fetuses to sentient full grown adults.
I don’t mind people being personally opposed to abortion. I mind someone propagating false information.
Warning: his speech is very graphic involving Vietnam.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/dick-black-virginia_n_2535167.html
no plastic fetus’s this time, where is the barnum and baily circus feeling?
@Moon-howler
Its sad that we cannot have a real conversation about this. The statistics are saddning. Instead, we have yelling about who’s body it is. My question to you Moon is; Why do you beleive its all right to limit my second Amendment rights through statutory or regulatory restrictions, but its not ok to limit the availability of abortions in the same way– or is it simply that you do not accept that – at some poin t- that two peoples lives are involved in an abortion.
I don’t recall mentioning whose body it was. Are you hallucinating, Blue?
Are you saying that you should be able to have whatever weapon you want, regardless? Does that mean that abortion should be totally unregulated and should be readily available regardless of fetal age?
Sorry, I am not quite ready to accept your standards.
I don’t believe any “right” is without limits.
May I remind you also that you really have no idea what my personal views on abortion are. The pnly ones you have been made privy to are my political views. I have been very clear that I don’t want politicians making that kind of decision for me.
the only one not having a real conversation is you blue.
If you don’t think this is crazy — you are crazy.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/23/man-who-shot-dogs-biting-boy-could-face-charges/
Here you go and as the 2nd goes so too shall abortion.
‘Turn ‘Em All In’: Feinstein’s Assualt Weapons Ban Grabs Handguns, Shotguns
BTW, Can I join the progressive’secret society that now is clearly planning to disarm us. Also name me one good example where disarming the citizens worked out better for anybody.
@blue
“Also name me one good example where disarming the citizens worked out better for anybody.”
Anybody? Well…it always works out better for the politically connected and wealthy.
@Cargosquid
And don’t forget criminals… It’s great for them.