What do Americans think about abortion, and how will they react to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade? Although the relationship between attitudes on abortion and on Roe is complex, recent surveys suggest some clear conclusions.
Although some Americans have absolutist views on abortion, most believe that its acceptability depends on circumstances.
Roughly speaking, between 25% and 35% of Americans think that abortion should always be legal, 10% to 15% think it should never be legal, and the remaining 50% to 65% are split between those who think that it should be mostly legal with some exceptions and mostly illegal but with exceptions. CONTINUED
William A. Galston, Brookings Institution
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