(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States agree with a recent Supreme Court decision on pregnancy termination, according to a poll by Hart/Newhouse released by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News. 53 per cent of respondents favour the ruling that makes partial birth abortion illegal.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ruling effectively banned partial birth abortion—a procedure performed in the late-term of pregnancy when the fetus can survive outside the womb—without making an exception for the health of the mother. When informed of these facts, 47 per cent of respondents favour the decision, and 43 per cent are opposed.

U.S. president George W. Bush discussed the court's decision, saying, "I am pleased that the Supreme Court upheld a law that prohibits the abhorrent procedure of partial birth abortion. (...) The Supreme Court's decision is an affirmation of the progress we have made over the past six years in protecting human dignity and upholding the sanctity of life. We will continue to work for the day when every child is welcomed in life and protected in law."

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." 55 per cent of respondents think the choice on abortion should be left up to the woman and her doctor.

Polling Data

Half Sample - As you may know, the Supreme Court recently upheld a law that makes the procedure commonly known as a partial birth abortion illegal. Do you favour or oppose this ruling by the Supreme Court?

Half Sample - As you may know, the Supreme Court recently upheld a law that makes the procedure commonly known as a partial birth abortion illegal. A partial-birth abortion is a procedure performed in the late-term of pregnancy, when in some cases the baby is old enough to survive on its own outside the womb. The court's ruling outlaws using this procedure, and does not make an exception for the health of the mother. Do you favour or oppose this ruling by the Supreme Court?

Which of the following best represents your views about abortion?

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