More than three-fourths of respondents in a recent national poll on attitudes about reproductive choice agreed that abortion is a personal decision better left in the hands of a woman, her doctor, her family and her God and that each woman must make the decision for herself in keeping with her sense of faith and her values. The poll was conducted in January 2000 by Celinda Lake of Lake, Snell, Perry and Associates and reached 900 registered voters aged 18 and older, of all religions. The purpose of the poll as to probe attitudes about reproductive choice from an ethical and religious perspective, using clear religious and values language. It is believed to be among the few polls that look at attitudes about abortion from a clearly religious point of view.
Religion has a major impact on attitudes about reproductive choice.
A solid majority of respondents say that where their religion and their own church or synagogue stands on the abortion issue is of personal importance to them including nearly a third who say it is very important. Religion is also important in the personal decision-making process. In fact, nearly four out of ten say their church and religion play a big role. Despite these strong religious attachments, should a conflict arise, more than half say they would follow their own personal beliefs over the teachings of their church or synagogue. Anti-choice respondents are divided between their own personal beliefs and the teachings of their church or synagogue.