A recent Gallup poll found that the majority of Americans now consider themselves pro-life (51%) rather than pro-choice (42%). This is a near reversal of public opinion just one year ago, in which 50% of Americans self-identified as pro-choice and 44% as pro-life. This is the first time since 1995 (when Gallup first began asking this question) that pro-life has been the majority view. It is also the first time that the majority of women identify as pro-life (49% vs. 44%). Currently, 54% of men consider themselves pro-life, versus 39% pro-choice.
A full 60% of Americans adults believe abortion should be illegal in all, or most circumstances. The percentage of people who believe abortion should be illegal in all circumstances has increased from 17% in 2008, to 23% in 2009.
When viewed by political affiliation, the shift toward the pro-life viewpoint has occurred almost entirely among Republicans. A full 10% more Republicans consider themselves pro-life today, than they did last year. Among Democrats, however, there has been virtually no change. I hope the Republican Party takes notice of this poll, since it has been slowly moving away from its pro-life platform. They are moving in a direction that is opposite of the movement of their base. Republicans are in enough trouble as it is. They cannot leave behind their pro-life platform and expect to win future elections.
Thinking to Believe 