More American voters favor the idea of a 15-week abortion ban than oppose it, according to the latest Wall Street Journal poll, as the Supreme Court prepares to issue a ruling that could alter the nation’s abortion landscape.
With lawmakers in several states pushing forward with bills that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, 48% of voters said they would strongly or somewhat favor such restrictions, with exemptions to protect the health of the mother, while 43% were in opposition.
At the same time, the survey found a majority of voters say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, underscoring the complicated views many Americans hold on the issue.
Holly Renaud, 32, of Pensacola, Fla., said she supported a ban at 15 weeks or earlier. “I think that the only real exception that should be made is when it comes down to health of the mother versus health of the child,” she said.
Tosha Wise, 53, of New York City, said: “I’m on the fence with it.”Would you favor or oppose a law to banabortions after six weeks, with exceptionsfor the health of the mother? After 15 weeks,with exceptions?
“I understand where they are coming from, but I also think women should have the right,” she said, adding: “God forbid, I should get raped.…I should have that choice.”
A total of 31 percent of voters said they strongly support a 15-week ban, while 17 percent were somewhat in support. Another 34 percent said they strongly opposed such a ban, and 10 percent said they were somewhat opposed.
Depressing. And dumb.
I have no doubt that the 15 weeks will be the best we can hope for with this court. And that means the end of Roe which was based on viability. There will be no stopping them from pushing it back to a total ban.