Why the Public Supports Abortion Rights Polling data reveals that the public strongly supports abortion rights when the health or life of the woman is in danger, in cases of rape, or when there are serious defects in the fetus. Moreover, the public greatly fears a return to back alley abortions. Public Opposes Clinic Violence Especially immediately after periods of intensified and publicized clinic violence incidents, polling data shows that the public opposes the use of violence in the abortion debate. On the surface, polls show little difference between women and men in their support for abortion rights. However, gender gaps are revealed when differences in education, methodological nuances, and intensity of opinion are analyzed.
Some disagreement exists over the level of support for abortion rights among young people.
Some analysts have reported declines in support for abortion rights over the past few years. However, other data show that trends in support for abortion among young people actually mirror support patterns among other age groups. Some data show that young people, particularly young women, are among the most dependable pro-choice allies. In addition to enjoying a numerical advantage in the electorate, pro-choice voters are more likely to make abortion rights a priority in their voting decisions. Polling Ballot Measures Women's Rights and Reproductive Rights Support for abortion rights and women's rights go hand in hand, especially for young women.