Polls & Research

Americans Remain Split Over Abortion

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The topic of pregnancy termination remains very divisive in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 52 per cent of respondents describe themselves as Pro-Choice, while 41 per cent say they are Pro-Life.

A Supreme Court ruling in 1973 gave American women the right to an abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy, and regulated the procedure during the second trimester "in ways that are reasonably related to maternal health." In the third trimester, a state can choose to proscribe abortion, except when necessary "for the preservation of the life or health of the mother."

U.S. president George W. Bush signed a federal restriction on late term abortions in November 2003, but the law was immediately challenged by U.S. District Court judge Richard Kopf, who issued a temporary restraining order.

In April, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act after a 270-157 vote. The bill—sponsored by Florida congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of the Republican Party—seeks punishment for anyone who transports a minor to another state to have an abortion, and is not the minor's parent or legal guardian. Bush urged the Senate to support the legislation, so that "parents of pregnant minors can provide counsel, guidance and support to their children (and) be involved in these decisions."

In the U.S., Supreme Court justices are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by a majority vote in the Senate. On Jul. 1, Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement from the tribunal. O'Connor will step down as soon as the president's nominee is ratified by the upper house.

In the Oct. 13 presidential debate, Bush said, "I will pick judges who will interpret the Constitution, but I'll have no litmus test."

Polling Data

On the issue of abortion, would you describe yourself as Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?