Swing States Oppose Criminalizing Abortion

A recent poll released by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation has found that significant majorities of voters in six key swing states do not want to criminalize abortion before fetal viability.

A Bipartisan Consensus

The survey found large bipartisan majorities in Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This bipartisan consensus highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for nuanced policy-making.

A Strong Signal from Swing States

The numbers in Nevada and Arizona are particularly significant, as they bode well for backers of ballot measures that would protect access to abortion up to fetal viability and prevent the states from criminalizing it. In both states, at least 69 percent of Republicans and 90 percent of Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion.

The Public’s Understanding of Criminalization

Before making their decision, respondents were informed that criminalizing abortion can mean prison time or fines for the doctor, the woman, or both. The pollsters also offered “strong arguments” for and against criminalizing abortion, and informed respondents that if they choose to criminalize it, they would be able to choose who should be punished.

Support for Federal Regulation

The poll also found majorities of voters in both parties across all the swing states, except Nevada Republicans, support a federal law governing abortion. This finding runs counter to the messaging from former President Trump, who insists that the end of Roe v. Wade means states can decide abortion policy.

Prioritizing Birth Control Education

Additionally, the poll found that large majorities of both parties nationally and in swing states support policies that seek to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions through access to birth control. At least 74 percent of Republicans in every swing state said they supported requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control.

Implications for the Election

Democrats are leaning heavily on abortion this election, and reproductive rights have been front and center politically in the two years since the conservative Supreme Court majority ended Roe v. Wade. The poll’s findings suggest that voters are paying attention to these issues and are looking for leaders who will protect their reproductive rights.

Conclusion

The poll’s findings highlight the need for policymakers to prioritize access to abortion and reproductive healthcare. By listening to the voices of swing state voters, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society that respects the autonomy of individuals to make their own decisions about their bodies and lives.

FAQs

Q: What is the poll’s main finding?
A: The poll found that significant majorities of voters in six key swing states do not want to criminalize abortion before fetal viability.

Q: Which swing states were included in the poll?
A: The poll included Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Q: What did respondents learn about criminalizing abortion before making their decision?
A: Respondents were informed that criminalizing abortion can mean prison time or fines for the doctor, the woman, or both, and were offered “strong arguments” for and against criminalizing abortion.

Q: What do the poll’s findings suggest about voters’ priorities?
A: The poll’s findings suggest that voters are prioritizing access to abortion and reproductive healthcare, and are looking for leaders who will protect their reproductive rights.

Q: How do the poll’s findings compare to previous polls on the issue?
A: The poll’s findings are consistent with previous polls on the issue, which have shown that majorities of voters support access to abortion and reproductive healthcare.