Americans Dissatisfied With Status Quo on Abortion

(Washington, DC) Monday Gallup released a new poll showing that, since 2001, a record low of Americans are satisfied with the nation’s abortion policies. Of those who are dissatisfied, Gallup found that two to one (24 percent to 12 percent) Americans prefer “stricter” rather than “less strict” laws. Dissatisfaction was highest among Republicans.

In response, Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) President Marjorie Dannenfelser called on Congress to advance the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, modest legislation to protect babies after five months of pregnancy.

“This latest Gallup poll echoes the 2014 midterm election results and the clear mandate given to the Republican Congress to pass the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would stop abortions after five months,” Dannenfelser said. “Americans are eager to see the United States removed from the list of only seven countries to allow abortion on-demand past the point at which the child can feel excruciating pain. We urge the House Republican Leadership to move forward with a vote on this compassionate, sensible legislation so that Senator Lindsey Graham can advance the companion bill in the Senate. We will continue to work with both chambers to ensure the maximum number of votes.”

“This is an issue that unites Republican grassroots activists and potential 2016 candidates,” continued Dannenfelser, “while also enjoying the support of a majority of women, independents, and young people. Close to a majority of Democrats also support protecting life more than halfway through pregnancy.”

A November 2014 poll from Quinnipiac found that 60 percent of Americans, including 56 percent of Independents and 46 percent of Democrats, support the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. In June 2013, the House passed the bill by 228-196. Republican control of the U.S. Senate following the midterm elections paves the way for a vote on the Senate companion bill.

The Susan B. Anthony List and its Political Action Committees, the SBA List Candidate Fund and Women Speak Out PAC, spent $15.25 million in the 2014 election cycle to defeat pro-abortion incumbents and elect pro-life candidates to federal and statewide office. The SBA List is dedicated to pursuing policies and electing candidates who will reduce and ultimately end abortion. To that end, the SBA List emphasizes the education, promotion, mobilization, and election of pro-life women.  The SBA List is a network of more than 365,000 pro-life Americans nationwide.