In Swing States, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 – While elected officials continue to argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in the six swing states finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability, in line with the principle under Roe v. Wade. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies that would keep or increase access to birth control.

This survey by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the fifth in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Criminalizing Abortion

Before making their decision, respondents were informed that criminalizing abortion can mean prison time or fines for the doctor, the woman, or both, and that if they choose to criminalize, they would then be able to choose who should be punished.

After evaluating strong arguments for and against criminalizing abortion, respondents could choose to: make abortion a crime 1) at all stages of pregnancy, 2) only after 15 weeks, 3) only after fetal viability (22-24 weeks), or 4) not make abortion a crime at any stage of pregnancy.

Large bipartisan majorities in every swing state do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability (73% to 80%), including Republicans (57% to 70%) and Democrats (83% to 93%), as well as 77% nationally.

Smaller but still robust majorities go further and oppose criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy: 61% to 70% in the swing states, including large majorities of Democrats (73% to 85%) and small majorities of Republicans in Arizona, Michigan and Nevada (52% to 55%). Among Republicans in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, it is less than half (41% to 48%). Nationally, 66% take this position, including 81% of Democrats, 50 % of Republicans, and 63% of independents.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 7% to 13% in the swing states, including just 10% to 25% of Republicans and 3% to 7% of Democrats. Nationally, support is just 11% (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Respondents who chose to make abortion a crime were then asked to choose whether the doctor, the woman or both should receive fines or prison time. Nationally, among those who favored criminalization, 5% (of the entire sample) said the doctor should be punished, 5% the woman, and 10% both. The remainder — nearly half who chose criminalization — declined to make a decision of who to punish.

Responses to Pro and Con Arguments

Here is an argument in favor of criminalizing abortions when the fetus is viable:

Any abortion law should be about balancing the rights and interests of the woman and the fetus. Until the fetus is able to live outside the womb, it is completely dependent on the woman and should be considered to be part of her body and she should have the right to decide whether or not she will continue the pregnancy. But once the fetus can live without relying on the woman’s body, then it should get protections under the law as a distinct person.

Here is an argument for making abortions illegal at all stages of the pregnancy:

Abortion is the ending of an innocent life and should be treated as such by the law, no matter its stage of development. Drawing the line at viability is arbitrary. Why should the life of a human that has been developing for one month be given less protection than one that’s been developing for six months? As soon as a new life is conceived, they deserve the chance to live and must be protected by the law.

Here is an argument against criminalizing any abortions:

Whether or not a fetus might be able to live outside the womb, forcing a woman to use her body to give birth, by threatening to imprison her and/or the doctor is wrong. Birth can result in lifelong health problems. One out of every 5,000 births in the US result in the death of the woman. This should be the woman’s choice. She should not be forced to give birth.

Here is an argument in favor of charging the doctor:

Doctors took an oath to do no harm, yet abortion is the exact opposite of that. Punishing doctors who violate that oath by performing abortions, and thus ending a life, is the right thing to do. It is also the best way to greatly reduce the number of abortions.

Here is an argument against charging the doctor:

Doctors shouldn’t go to prison for prescribing medication or performing a medical procedure their patient wanted, is safe, and is legal in most states, just because some people disagree with it. When doctors lose their license, they lose their livelihood, and society loses their skills.

Here is an argument in favor of charging the woman:

When a woman gets pregnant and starts creating a new life, she has a duty to protect and nurture that child, not end its life. Parents that neglect or abuse their children get sent to prison, and abortion should not be treated any differently.

Here is an argument against charging the woman:

Punishing the woman is cruel and creates many problems. Half of women who have abortions already have at least one child, so those kids will have to grow up with a mother in prison. They are also more likely to have very low incomes, and if the mother is sent to prison she can’t contribute to her family, and they will fall even deeper into poverty.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

“Very large majorities want the government to ensure access to birth control, but not to criminalize abortion before fetal viability.”

-Steven Kull, Director
Program for Public Consultation

Public Overestimation of Support for
Criminalizing All Abortions

Respondents were asked to estimate what percent of Americans support criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy. In all swing states and nationally, the majority estimated 35% or more. The actual level of support for that policy is just 11% nationally.

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States

After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. Large majorities in every swing state favor having a federal law (64% to 73%). This includes majorities of Republicans in five of the swing states (58% to 66%), but just under half in Nevada (48%)–an 18 point spread across states. Among Democrats in the swing states, 76% to 87% want a federal law. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%).

Majorities nationally support a federal law irrespective of their preference for what the law should be. This includes the full range from those who want to criminalize all abortions to those who oppose any criminalization.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

Ensuring Access to Birth Control

Policies that seek to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions through access to birth control receive large majority support among Republicans and Democrats in every swing state, and nationally.

Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 80% to 84% in the swing states, including Republicans (74% to 80%) and Democrats (86% to 93%), as well as 80% nationally.

Responses to Pro and Con Arguments

FIRST ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
It is not realistic to simply tell young people that they should not have sex. Programs that do that, have proven to be ineffective in reducing teen pregnancy. Many teen pregnancies lead to abortions. To reduce unintended pregnancies and the number of abortions teens need to have information about birth control. There is no evidence that this increases sexual activity. But it does reduce the number of abortions.

FIRST ARGUMENT AGAINST
The problem of unintended pregnancies leading to abortion is not a problem of information, but of morality. Young people need to get consistent messages from adults that premarital sex is immoral. Teen sex can also lead to serious emotional consequences. Having public schools give information about birth control clearly signals to young people that having premarital sex is normal and acceptable.

SECOND ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The goal of any educational program should be to provide our youth with the information they need to make healthy decisions for themselves, and to make long-term life plans. Studies show teaching about sex and birth control reduces the number of unintended pregnancies. This allows young people to better plan for the families they want. Leaving out that critical information violates our responsibility to the youth to prepare them for the world.

SECOND ARGUMENT AGAINST
Education about sex and birth control gives young people the impression that casual sex is not risky if done right, which can encourage them to start sexual activity earlier when they are less mature. But there are serious emotional and mental consequences that come with having sex too early. If parents want to educate their children about that stuff, they can do so, but the government should not be promoting that information.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 80% to 85% in the swing states, including Republicans (71% to 81%) and Democrats (86% to 93%), as well as 81% nationally.

Responses to Pro and Con Arguments

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Birth control is one of the best ways to reduce unintended pregnancies, which will also reduce the number of abortions. It will also reduce unintended births, which saves taxpayers money because, without birth control, more children would be born into poverty and rely on government assistance. Studies have found that every dollar spent on birth control saves society seven to nine dollars.

ARGUMENT AGAINST
A substantial portion of birth control is used by unmarried women and girls. Making it available to them makes it more likely that they will engage in pre-marital sex. It is wrong for the government to enable such activities. Furthermore, birth control is not completely effective in preventing pregnancies, so greater sexual activity can lead to more unintended pregnancies. Finally, birth control is already widely available and affordable. A key reason women don’t use it is because of its side effects. Making it more available won’t necessarily increase its use.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control such as the pill and IUDs is supported by 85% to 90% in the swing states, including Republicans (76% to 87%) and Democrats (91% to 96%), as well as 85% nationally.

Responses to Pro and Con Arguments

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Long-term birth control is an essential part of many women’s healthcare--1 out of 4 women use it. It is not right that birth control be treated differently from other essential healthcare benefits like asthma inhalers. Furthermore, health insurance for workers is not charity from their employers, it is earned by the workers through their hard work which keeps the company going. This requirement has been a huge success: an estimated 62 million more women have gained access to birth control with no out-of-pocket costs.

ARGUMENT AGAINST
In some religions, birth control is considered immoral. Many people in the US feel that way, people who are taxpayers who contribute to funding Medicaid or employers forced to pay for insurance that covers birth control for their employees. No one should be forced to pay for something that goes against their religious convictions. That is a violation of their fundamental religious rights. Furthermore, if this requirement were to be lifted, there would still be insurance plans that cover birth control, and people are free to get those plans that fit them best.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 78% to 80% in the swing states, including 66% to 71% of Republicans and 88% to 93% of Democrats, as well as 76% nationally.

Responses to Pro and Con Arguments

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Women should not be shut out from getting birth control because they do not make enough money. The majority of woman who have abortions are people just working to make ends meet, and a big reason for that is lack of access to birth control. Making birth control more affordable will enable them to have children when they are financially ready and will reduce the number of abortions.
ARGUMENT AGAINST
Birth control is not a necessary medication, like insulin for diabetics. Taxpayers should not have to pay for a voluntary medication. There are other ways to reduce unintended pregnancies that don’t require insurance. People can use a condom or simply abstain when they are not ready to have children.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

reducing abortions through mandatory ultrasounds and waiting periods

Respondents were asked about methods for trying to reduce abortions by putting more requirements on the process of getting an abortion, as has been done in several states. Views vary across the swing states, with majorities of Republicans generally in support, while majorities of Democrats are generally opposed.

Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion is supported by a majority in Georgia (57%), half in Wisconsin (51%), and less than half in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania (44% to 46%). Among Republicans in the swing states, 52% to 66% are in favor, while among Democrats 26% to 49% are in favor. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it.

Responses to Pro and Con Arguments

FIRST ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Ending the life of an unborn child is an incredibly serious decision that cannot be undone and should not be made quickly. When women see their unborn child and are required to take time to think about their decision, some may decide against ending their pregnancy. These requirements have been shown to reduce abortion rates, and thus saved lives. And those women will not have to live with the regret of having an abortion, which can cause serious depression.

FIRST ARGUMENT AGAINST
The studies of the effects of such requirements do not find that seeing an ultrasound makes women change their mind about wanting an abortion. Rather the studies find the requirements for waiting periods simply make it more difficult and costly for women to get an abortion. It often takes weeks to get a second appointment, women may have to travel long distances and must get time off work and pay for childcare. This is especially unfair to low income and rural women and single mothers.

SECOND ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
we do not make abortion illegal, the government should at least communicate that having an abortion is a morally significant decision. Having such requirements is a way to gently discourage women from taking the life of their unborn child.

SECOND ARGUMENT AGAINST
The government has no place regulating how long a woman must think about a medical procedure. It serves no medical purpose and doctors are already required to provide information women need to make an informed decision. Women do not make these choices lightly or impulsively and the process of getting appointments already takes at least a week for most women.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

Prohibiting doctors from providing an abortion on the day they approve it, but instead requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion, is supported by a majority in Georgia (54%), half in Michigan and Wisconsin (50%), and less than half in Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania (43% to 48%). Among Republicans, majorities in five of the swing states are in favor (58% to 67%), but just half in Nevada (49%). Among Democrats in the swing states, just 31% to 44% are in favor. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% opposed.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

prohibiting federal funding of abortion

Views are mixed on whether the Federal government should continue to prohibit the use of Federal funds to help cover the costs of an abortion – part of a law passed nearly fifty years ago, called the Hyde Amendment. In every swing state, majorities of Republicans approve of this prohibition (58% to 66%, nationally 62%), while less than half of Democrats do (29% to 39%, nationally 29%).

Overall, though, modest majorities disapprove of this prohibition on Federal funding in Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin (51% to 55%) as well as nationally (55%). In Michigan, the public is divided, while in Georgia, a modest majority of 53% approves of the prohibition.

Responses to Pro and Con Arguments

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
It is not right that tens of millions of taxpayers who have religious or moral objections to abortions should be forced to have their tax money pay for an abortion. There is no federal right to a taxpayer-funded abortion. By making abortions free or low cost, the government is effectively encouraging women to abort their baby. Furthermore, this law has effectively stopped 2.4 million abortions – using recent estimates.

ARGUMENT AGAINST
This rule is unfair to members of our military, people who work for the federal government, and low-income women. We don’t prohibit the government from helping military or low-income women from getting any other medical procedure. And they may not be able to afford to pay for an abortion out-of-pocket.

Aggregated Demographics of Swing Six States

State Survey Reports

Arizona

In Arizona, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 - While policymakers argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in Arizona, the five other swing states, and nationally, finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies ensuring access to birth control.

Criminalizing Abortion
A large bipartisan majority of 80% in Arizona do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This includes 70% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats. Support for this position across all the swing states ranges from 73% to 80%. Nationally, 77% take this position (Republicans 61%, Democrats 90%).

On the Arizona ballot this November will be the question of whether to enshrine a constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability, thus prohibiting its criminalization before that stage of pregnancy.

Before making their decision, respondents were informed that criminalizing abortion means prison time or fines for the doctor or the woman. After evaluating strong arguments for and against criminalizing abortion, respondents could choose to: make abortion a crime 1) at all stages of pregnancy, 2) only after 15 weeks, 3) only after fetal viability (22-24 weeks), or 4) not make abortion a crime at any stage of pregnancy.

A smaller but still robust majority of 68% in Arizona goes further and opposes criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, including a bare majority of Republicans (52%) and 84% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 61% to 70%. Nationally, two-thirds take this position, including eight-in-ten Democrats, and half of Republicans.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 12% in Arizona, including just 17% of Republicans and 5% of Democrats. Across all swing states, just 7% to 13% support that policy, as do just 11% nationally (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Public Overestimation of Support for Criminalizing All Abortions
Respondents were asked to estimate what percent of Americans support criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy. In all states and nationally the majority estimated 35% or more. The actual level of support for that policy is just 11% nationally.

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States
After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. A majority of 70% of Arizonans favor having a federal abortion law, including 66% of Republicans and 77% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support for a federal abortion law ranges from 64% to 73%. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%). [GRAPH]

Majorities nationally support a federal law irrespective of their preference for what the law should be. This includes the full range from those who want to criminalize abortion at any stage of pregnancy to those who oppose any criminalization.

Ensuring Access to Birth Control
Policies that seek to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions through access to birth control receive large majority support among Republicans and Democrats in every swing state, and nationally.

Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 80% in Arizona, including 76% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats. Support for this policy in all the swing states ranges from 80% to 84%, and is 80% nationally. [GRAPH]

Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 80% in Arizona, including 75% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 80% to 85%, and is 81% nationally. [GRAPH]

Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control, such as the pill and IUDs, is supported by 85% in Arizona, including 80% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 85% to 90%, and is 85% nationally. [GRAPH]

Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 78% in Arizona, including 71% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 78% to 80%, as well as 76% nationally. [GRAPH]

Steven Kull comments, “Large bipartisan majorities want to greatly limit the role of government when it comes to abortion, but they do want the government to actively ensure access to birth control.”

Trying to Reduce Abortions Through Mandatory Ultrasounds and Waiting Periods
Respondents were asked about methods for trying to reduce abortions by putting more requirements on the process of getting an abortion, as has been done in several states.

Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion, is favored by 45% in Arizona and opposed by 55%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (61%), but just a quarter of Democrats (26%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 44% to 57%. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it. [GRAPH]

Requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion is favored by 48% in Arizona and opposed by 49%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (60%), but less than half of Democrats (37%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 43% to 54%. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% oppose. [GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Arizona survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 622 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, and metro/non-metro to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Arizona sample is +/-4.5%.

Arizona Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested

Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Abortion and Birth Control

Georgia

In Georgia, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 - While policymakers argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in Georgia, the five other swing states, and nationally, finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies ensuring access to birth control.

Criminalizing Abortion
A large bipartisan majority of 73% in Georgia do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This includes 62% of Republicans and 83% of Democrats. Support for this position across all the swing states ranges from 73% to 80%. Nationally, 77% take this position (Republicans 61%, Democrats 90%).

A smaller but still robust majority of 61% in Georgia goes further and opposes criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, including 73% of Democrats, but less than half of Republicans (46%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 61% to 70%. Nationally, two thirds take this position, including eight-in-ten Democrats, and half of Republicans.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 13% in Georgia, including just 19% of Republicans and 7% of Democrats. Across all swing states, just 7% to 13% support that policy, as do just 11% nationally (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Public Overestimation of Support for Criminalizing All Abortions

Respondents were asked to estimate what percent of Americans support criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy. In all states and nationally the majority estimated 35% or more. The actual level of support for that policy is just 11% nationally.

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States
After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. A majority of 68% of Georgians favor having a federal abortion law, including 58% of Republicans and 76% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support for a federal abortion law ranges from 64% to 73%. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%). [GRAPH]

Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 81% in Georgia, including 74% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats. Support for this policy in all the swing states ranges from 80% to 84%, and is 80% nationally. [GRAPH]

Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 82% in Georgia, including 76% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 80% to 85%, and is 81% nationally. [GRAPH]

Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control, such as the pill and IUDs, is supported by 86% in Georgia, including 76% of Republicans and 95% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 85% to 90%, and is 85% nationally. [GRAPH]

Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 80% in Georgia, including 66% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 78% to 80%, as well as 76% nationally. [GRAPH]

Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion, is favored by 57% in Georgia, including a majority of Republicans (66%) and half of Democrats (49%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 44% to 57%. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it. [GRAPH]

Requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion is favored by a modest majority of 54% in Georgia, including a majority of Republicans (67%), but less than half of Democrats (44%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 43% to 54%. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% oppose. [GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Georgia survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 687 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, and metro/non-metro to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Georgia sample is +/-4.2%.

Georgia Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested

Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Abortion and Birth Control

Michigan

In Michigan, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 - While policymakers argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in Michigan, the five other swing states, and nationally, finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies ensuring access to birth control.

Criminalizing Abortion
A large bipartisan majority of 78% in Michigan do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This includes 65% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats. Support for this position across all the swing states ranges from 73% to 80%. Nationally, 77% take this position (Republicans 61%, Democrats 90%).

A smaller but still robust majority of 67% in Michigan goes further and opposes criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, including 81% of Democrats and a bare majority of Republicans (52%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 61% to 70%. Nationally, two thirds take this position, including eight-in-ten Democrats, and half of Republicans.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 10% in Michigan, including 20% of Republicans and just 3% of Democrats. Across all swing states, just 7% to 13% support that policy, as do just 11% nationally (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States
After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. A majority of 71% of Michiganders favor having a federal abortion law, including 65% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support for a federal abortion law ranges from 64% to 73%. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%). [GRAPH]

Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 81% in Michigan, including 76% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats. Support for this policy in all the swing states ranges from 80% to 84%, and is 80% nationally. [GRAPH]

Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 81% in Michigan, including 71% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 80% to 85%, and is 81% nationally. [GRAPH]

Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control, such as the pill and IUDs, is supported by 86% in Michigan, including 77% of Republicans and 95% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 85% to 90%, and is 85% nationally. [GRAPH]

Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 80% in Michigan, including 69% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 78% to 80%, as well as 76% nationally. [GRAPH]

Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion, is favored by 44% in Michigan and opposed by 55%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (57%), but less than half of Democrats (36%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 44% to 57%. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it. [GRAPH]

Requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion is favored by 50% in Michigan and opposed by 47%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (63%), but just four-in-ten Democrats (39%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 43% to 54%. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% oppose. [GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Michigan survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 659 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, and metro/non-metro to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Michigan sample is +/-4.3%.

Michigan Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested

Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Abortion and Birth Control

Nevada

In Nevada, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 - While policymakers argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in Nevada, the five other swing states, and nationally, finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies ensuring access to birth control.

Criminalizing Abortion
A large bipartisan majority of 80% in Nevada do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This includes 69% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats. Support for this position across all the swing states ranges from 73% to 80%. Nationally, 77% take this position (Republicans 61%, Democrats 90%).

On the Nevada ballot this November will be the question of whether to enshrine a constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability, thus prohibiting its criminalization before that stage of pregnancy.

A smaller but still robust and bipartisan majority of 70% in Nevada goes further and opposes criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, including 55% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 61% to 70%. Nationally, two-thirds take this position, including eight-in-ten Democrats, and half of Republicans.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 7% in Nevada, including 10% of Republicans and just 3% of Democrats. Across all swing states, just 7% to 13% support that policy, as do just 11% nationally (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States
After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. A majority of 64% of Nevadans favor having a federal abortion law, including 78% of Democrats, but just under half of Republicans (48%). Across all swing states, support for a federal abortion law ranges from 64% to 73%. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%). [GRAPH]

Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 81% in Nevada, including 74% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats. Support for this policy in all the swing states ranges from 80% to 84%, and is 80% nationally. [GRAPH]

Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 83% in Nevada, including 78% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 80% to 85%, and is 81% nationally. [GRAPH]

Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control, such as the pill and IUDs, is supported by 90% in Nevada, including 87% of Republicans and 95% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 85% to 90%, and is 85% nationally. [GRAPH]

Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 80% in Nevada, including 69% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 78% to 80%, as well as 76% nationally. [GRAPH]

Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion, is favored by 44% in Nevada and opposed by 56%. Just over half of Republicans are in favor (52%), but less than half of Democrats (35%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 44% to 57%. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it. [GRAPH]

Requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion is favored by 43% in Nevada and opposed by 56%. Republicans are divided (49%), but less than half of Democrats are in favor (39%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 43% to 54%. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% oppose. [GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Nevada survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 544 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, and partisan affiliation, to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Nevada sample is +/-4.8%.

Nevada Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested

Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Abortion and Birth Control

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 - While policymakers argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in Pennsylvania, the five other swing states, and nationally, finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies ensuring access to birth control.

Criminalizing Abortion
A large bipartisan majority of 80% in Pennsylvania do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This includes 70% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats. Support for this position across all the swing states ranges from 73% to 80%. Nationally, 77% take this position (Republicans 61%, Democrats 90%).

A smaller but still robust majority of 66% in Pennsylvania goes further and opposes criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, including 84% of Democrats and just under half of Republicans (48%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 61% to 70%. Nationally, two-thirds take this position, including eight-in-ten Democrats, and half of Republicans.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 9% in Pennsylvania, including 14% of Republicans and just 4% of Democrats. Across all swing states, just 7% to 13% support that policy, as do just 11% nationally (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States
After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. A bipartisan majority of 69% of Pennsylvanians favor having a federal abortion law, including 58% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support for a federal abortion law ranges from 64% to 73%. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%). [GRAPH]

Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 82% in Pennsylvania, including 79% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats. Support for this policy in all the swing states ranges from 80% to 84%, and is 80% nationally. [GRAPH]

Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 81% in Pennsylvania, including 72% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 80% to 85%, and is 81% nationally. [GRAPH]

Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control, such as the pill and IUDs, is supported by 89% in Pennsylvania, including 84% of Republicans and 95% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 85% to 90%, and is 85% nationally. [GRAPH]

Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 79% in Pennsylvania, including 69% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 78% to 80%, as well as 76% nationally. [GRAPH]

Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion, is favored by 46% in Pennsylvania and opposed by 53%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (58%), but just a third of Democrats (34%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 44% to 57%. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it. [GRAPH]

Requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion is favored by 45% in Pennsylvania and opposed by 53%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (58%), but just three-in-ten Democrats (31%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 43% to 54%. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% oppose. [GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Pennsylvania survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 624 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Pennsylvania sample is +/-4.5%.

Pennsylvania Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested

Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Abortion and Birth Control

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 - While policymakers argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in Wisconsin, the five other swing states, and nationally, finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies ensuring access to birth control.

Criminalizing Abortion
A large bipartisan majority of 78% in Wisconsin do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This includes 57% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats. Support for this position across all the swing states ranges from 73% to 80%. Nationally, 77% take this position (Republicans 61%, Democrats 90%).

A smaller but still robust majority of 65% in Wisconsin goes further and opposes criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, including 85% of Democrats and four-in-ten Republicans (41%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 61% to 70%. Nationally, two-thirds take this position, including eight-in-ten Democrats, and half of Republicans.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 13% in Wisconsin, including 25% of Republicans and just 3% of Democrats. Across all swing states, just 7% to 13% support that policy, as do just 11% nationally (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States
After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. A majority of 73% of Wisconsinites favor having a federal abortion law, including 59% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support for a federal abortion law ranges from 64% to 73%. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%). [GRAPH]

Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 84% in Wisconsin, including 80% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats. Support for this policy in all the swing states ranges from 80% to 84%, and is 80% nationally. [GRAPH]

Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 85% in Wisconsin, including 81% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 80% to 85%, and is 81% nationally. [GRAPH]

Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control, such as the pill and IUDs, is supported by 89% in Wisconsin, including 84% of Republicans and 96% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 85% to 90%, and is 85% nationally. [GRAPH]

Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 79% in Wisconsin, including 68% of Republicans and 92% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 78% to 80%, as well as 76% nationally. [GRAPH]

Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion, is favored by 51% in Wisconsin and opposed by 49%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (66%), but less than half of Democrats are (37%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 44% to 57%. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it. [GRAPH]

Requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion is favored by 50% in Wisconsin and opposed by 49%. This inclues a majority of Republicans (64%) and less than half of Democrats (39%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 43% to 54%. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% oppose. [GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Wisconsin survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 607 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Wisconsin sample is +/-4.5%.

Wisconsin Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested

Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Abortion and Birth Control

About the Survey
The survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 4,957 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, including approximately 600 in each state of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and 1,214 nationally. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, and partisan affiliation (in some states) to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the national sample is +/-3.2%, and for each of the state sample it ranges from +/-4.2% to 4.8%.