Polls & Research

Roberts Should Discuss Abortion, Say Americans

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe John Roberts must address a controversial issue before his appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court is endorsed, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 61 per cent of respondents believe the senators should insist that Roberts explain his views on abortion before confirming him.

The 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling 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." 51 per cent of respondents describe themselves as Pro-Choice, while 42 per cent say they are Pro-Life.

On Jul. 19, U.S. president George W. Bush officially nominated Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court. Roberts currently serves as a judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

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 Roberts is ratified by the upper house.

During his 2003 confirmation hearings, Roberts referred to the Roe v. Wade decision as "the settled law of the land." In an interview with the Associated Press released on Jul. 26, U.S. attorney general Alberto Gonzales explained the judge's answer, saying, "If you're asking a circuit court judge, like Roberts was asked, yes, it is settled law because you're bound by the precedent. If you're a Supreme Court justice, that's a different question because a Supreme Court justice is not obliged to follow precedent if you believe it's wrong."

Polling Data

When the U.S. Senate holds hearings on the John Roberts nomination, do you think Senators should insist that he explain his views on abortion before confirming him, or should he be allowed to refuse to answer questions about abortion?

With respect to the abortion issue, would you consider yourself to be pro-choice or pro-life?