NYT/CBS/MTV abortion poll
See complete poll here.
(Click to enlarge.)
Most polls these days show a majority of Americans support stricter abortion regulations or a ban. Those ok with abortion as is are in the minority.
This poll fits with other polls, but several things set it apart….
First, the poll was conducted by two liberal news organizations and… well, how do you describe MTV? Double D, super steroid liberal? So the results cannot be dismissed as biased conservative.
Second, it was of young people, ages 17-29, the age group by and large aborting. And by almost a 2:1 margin, these young people said they wanted stricter limits or a ban on abortion. Fully one-fourth said they wanted abortion outlawed altogether.
Third, poll answers should have skewed left, since 35% of respondents were Democrat and 23% Republican. But they did not. (And although the GOP took a bigger hit, both parties lost members to the Independent or Unidentified group.)
Fourth, 28% of respondents said they were liberal, 40% moderate, and 27% conservative. The conservative and moderate percentages were reflected as you would expect, almost like a template over the abortion poll results. It was those calling themselves liberal who skewed right on abortion.
Fifth, although it’s certainly can’t be called permanent, the abortion numbers from May to June went our way.
[Hat tip: LifeNews.com]
I dont think its a good idea to lump together those who want some more restrictions with those who want a ban, it makes no sense as the two overall are irreconcilable. Those who want restrictions still want it available and those restrictions could range from vary loose to very tight. None of those groups can truly be linked together, the “incrementalists” from those wanting bans may join with those who want restrictions on most measures, but as we all know none have the same views, and once again, “restrictions” is broad, and could range from moving the viability date a week to making it so abortion can only occur within the first few weeks or only in cases of rape/incest. To say those who want abortion available are outnumbered 2 to one is a vast twist and possibly a gross misinterpretation
Dan, 6:02p, said: “I dont think its a good idea to lump together those who want some more restrictions with those who want a ban”
… Of course you don’t, Dan.
“it makes no sense as the two overall are irreconcilable.”
… Which way are they leaning, though, Dan? They reject your view and are at least warm to the pro-life view. They see the merit in at least some protection/safeguards. And this is also about winning people to one’s ideology, Dan… maybe not all at once… but getting there.
Any move in the right direction is a good move. “We need more regulations/restrictions” is pointing in the direction of “We need to stop treating abortion as if it’s some sort of inalienable right.”
Jill, most pro choicers, at least those i’ve talked to, agree with restrictions and think there should be a few more.
From what ive seen of polls that you’ve provided there has been little to no change in terms of either side winning or losing numbers
sorry, that first part should read:
Jill, most pro choicers, at least those i’ve talked to, agree with restrictions, and of course there are those that think there should be a few more.
Dan, 6:47p, said: “From what ive seen of polls that you’ve provided there has been little to no change in terms of either side winning or losing numbers.”
That’s fine, Dan. I’ll take 62% to your 37%.
And what restrictions would you like to see?
Jill,
Your wishful thinking and grasp of statistics is always amusing.
Did you happen to notice that among the ~ 20 issues on page 3…. abortion was the least important issue to them… in fact, no one sellected abortion. Moral values, as an important issue also came in a tie for last on page two’s question.
LMAO
While your getting all worked about a few percentage points on a poll of N=659…. did you also happen to notice the 28 to 44 % increase in those supporting gay marriage?
Thanks, the polls actually seems to suggests waning ocial conservatism.
I’m always glad to make you laugh, Cam.
Speaking of gay, this is a one-issue site, and it’s not that one.
Though this website isn’t about homosexuality, you certainly don’t see a problem with making snide comments about it anytime you see fit…
I’ve to say this poll is encouraging, even though it comes from 3 highly liberal networks….
Because teh liberalz are teh evilz0rz.
Rae, I think homosexuality is a sinful behavior, but I don’t recall that I’ve made snide remarks about homosexual people. Correct me if I’m wrong.
You’ve made snide remarks about homosexuality in general, specifically in your comments about allowing homosexual couples to adopt.
Rae,
Every child deserves a Mother and a Father.
“I note the liberal press never frets over values GLBTs may instill on children they adopt.”
This is from the “Two Vacancies” article…it is implying that you think GLBTs will instill the “wrong” values into their children.
Rae, did I say I opposed homosexuals adopting in a snide way? I don’t recall so. Doesn’t sound like me. Or do you consider it snide that I oppose it?
@Jasper: I disagree. I honestly see nothing wrong with having two moms or two dads. There have also been studies that families with two moms or two dads are just as loving and supportive and healthy has families with a mom and dad.
Rae, we posted about the same time. That wasn’t a snide remark. Definition of snide: “Derogatory in a malicious, superior way.”
@Jill: It’s just the way I interpreted the statement. I apologize if that is not the way you meant it (as you are making clear), it’s just the way I saw it.
That’s fine, Rae. I can certainly be a smart aleck, but it’s usually on the abortion issue… :)
Same-Sex Marriage sends a terrible message to the next generation:
alternative family forms are just as good as traditional families, children don’t need a mother and a father, and marriage is about adult desires for affirmation or benefits, not about the well-being of children.
Family structure matters and the family form that does the best job for kids is the child’s own married mother and father.
*sigh*
Oooooh…Harry Potter video game, that reminds me how I’m looking forward to the Harry Potter film. :D
Sorry for the off-topic comment. ^_^
“Seaking of gay, this is a one-issue site, and it’s not that one.”
Yah.. we wouldn’t want HisMan having an excuse for further witnessing.
@Jasper: I disagree with you, whole heartedly, but I’m not even going to bother you about it because it’s really just not worth it.
Yea, I don’t think we’ll get anywhere with homosexual marriage Rae.
Do you still believe that 13 week olds have the right to life but 12 week olds don’t?
“Family structure matters and the family form that does the best job for kids is the child’s own married mother and father.”
Funny… no such evidence in the literature. In fact, it pretty much comes down to healthy parenting skills.
Had you been raised by a gay man with parenting skills jasper, you probably wouldn’t have such an outsider view of the human race.
@Jasper: I see nothing wrong with gay marriage. Britain has legalized gay marriage and as far as I know, the world hasn’t exploded yet.
And fine, yes 13 week olds have more of a right to life than 12 week old fetuses. *eye roll*
we’ve had it here for a bit and no changes here, in fact MA has the lowest divorce rate in the country
“And fine, yes 13 week olds have more of a right to life than 12 week old fetuses. *eye roll*”
No Rae, not “more of a right to life”, you said that 12 week olds do not have any right to life. It can be terminated on demand.
Dan, Rae, Cameron,
would you mind if I married the twins next door? we all love each other and I don’t it will change anybody elses marriage.
TRUE LIFE ABORTION STORY
– Her own words: by: Alex
My name is Alex, I’m currently 27, married with 3 children.
My story begins in January 1991 when I became very sick with what I was sure was the simple flu. My boyfriend (now my husband of more than 7 years) took me to the doctor because I just couldn’t shake whatever it was I had. Approximately 2 hours later we found out I was around 2 months pregnant.
Needless to say we were more scared than we had ever been.
We were both 19 at the time, in college (we graduated high school in 1989 — myself Valedictorian), and both expected to go very far in life. I was also having quite a bit of trouble with my parents because they really didn’t care for Steve. All that said, we were faced with the most frightening choice we had ever and have since ever had to deal with, especially since I was brought up strong Catholic and had always opposed abortion with all my heart.
Later that afternoon I had my first ultrasound to determine exactly how far along I was. At this point we were beginning to think of any option we possibly had, but all that came to mind was “Why us? Why now?”
Throughout the next month we made up are minds and changed our minds at least a thousand times. We didn’t want to throw our lives away after all that we had worked for, neither did we want to cause any more tensions with my family.
The month quickly drew to an end, and we made our decision and an appointment.
The previous day I was sicker than normal (which is very very sick), but I was sticking to my decision, I couldn’t afford to give up my life. That night I fell asleep and woke up early the next morning after the most vivid dream I had ever had. This dream has changed my life forever. The surroundings in the dream were pitch black, I was standing center stage in what appeared to be a spotlight. There was this little boy tugging on my skirt. All he said, over and over, was “Mommy, please don’t hurt me.”
I fully awoke and just shook off the dream, not truly believing. I went to my appointment, went through the counseling, and was led into the room. I undressed, got up on the table, and placed my feet up into the stirrups. The doctor began to place the instruments inside me, when I heard the voice again. I closed my legs immediately and began crying. I couldn’t do it.
Steve and I were married 2 weeks later (in the Church), and our son Nicholas (who with the grace of God had spoken to me just 2 months earlier) was born July 12, 1991 5 weeks early (but in better shape than I was).
Nicholas is now 7, has a 5 year old sister Alli,and a 16 month old baby brother Joshua. Steve and I have struggled throughout these years, but have always made ends meet. We have both managed to achieve our dreams even without college, Steve a computer programmer, and myself a graphic artist. We have never been happier or more fulfilled.
There are still times when I look at Nick and tears come to my eyes and the most horrible pain to my heart, and I wonder how I could have ever considered what I had almost done. I don’t think I will ever get over the pain.
I hope this story of my life can be useful and help someone, because I know there is hope where there is faith and trust in God.
@Jasper: Go right ahead, not my problem.
thats what I thought you’d say Rae…anything goes..
@Jasper: Not really, not everything goes.
I just don’t see the big deal with marriage and stuff. As far as I’m concerned, marriage is nothing more than an economic and religious arrangement, I think it’s pointless.
But that’s just me. And no, not everything goes Jasper. I could have sex…but I don’t. I could do drugs…but I don’t. I could smoke and drink…but I don’t. Why don’t I? I don’t agree with it. I think it’s wrong to do.
Marriage promotes the common good by building families and raising children. Those of us who have children know that every day that goes by is about selfless acts in nurturing children. But society is failing to affirm the vital institution of marriage on any level–legal, societal, and for this reason, marriage is under assault, with high rates of divorce and out-of-wedlock births ruining the traditional family.
There are good news. I hope they keep running these surveys. It would interesting to conduct the survey at USNews.com Top 10 Best Colleges.
Edgar.
@Jasper: That’s nice. I’m glad marriage has worked out well for you. It’s worked well for my parents too (this year is their 25th anniversary :D) but I don’t think it’s going to work out for me…however I doubt I’d ever get married anyway.
Rae, I’m still very interested in your IVF history. I mean no offense by this, so please don’t read anything into it, but if I were an IVF baby, I think I’d have psychological problems. I’m not sure what they’d be, but just knowing I sat in a petri dish at one point… and the logistics of my being born… I don’t know… Do you ever dwell on these thoughts?
@Jill: I never really thought about it too much before I started getting involved on this website. My inner nerd thinks it’s kind of cool that I was more or less conceived in a petri dish (because to be honest…in an immature way, that is a more “comforting” so to speak, as opposed to think of my parents having sex :-p).
I mean, the only thing I ever feel guilty about is my birth where I nearly killed my mom. I know it really wasn’t my fault (my mom suffered severe hemorrhaging due to a severely prolapsed uterus as she delivered the placenta…my guess is it’s due to the D and C procedures she underwent after each of her previous miscarriages to “clean things out”). Knowing that my being born unintentionally caused that much fear out of what was supposed to be a happy occasion is really the only thing that makes me upset…not so much how I was conceived.
Does this answer your questions?
Yes, it does, Rae. Thanks. If you ever have any further thoughts, please do share.
@Jill: I’m just curious as to why you think it would bother somebody so much to have been conceived in a petri dish? You are still born the same way, naturally or via C-section, so the “logistics” of your birth are unchanged, it’s your conception that’s different.
Why do you think it would be so horrible to have been in a petri dish? What sort of psychological problems do you think would come from the thought of being in a petri dish?
I am honestly curious why you appear almost disturbed by the thought of somebody having been conceived in a petri dish?
Rae, I don’t want you to think I think your inception was “horrible.” I’m sorry if I gave that impression.
I don’t know why I think it would bother an IVF baby to know. The IVF kids I know are all way too young to explore thoughts and feelings with. You’re the first adult IVF person I’ve met, so to speak. So I’m asking you questions I’ve wondered lately is all. But I don’t want to put thoughts in your head either that were never there… :) I have no basis for my questions. I’ve not read anything. You’re among the first….
jasper, what about all the married people who are choosing not to have children? This is actually quite a large segment of the population, here and abroad, and it is growing. What do you think about these men and women?
adopt
You’re missing my point. Married people who don’t want children period. They don’t want anything to do with kids. They don’t want to get pregnant, they don’t want to adopt. They don’t want kids at all.
Less,
Than they don’t have to have children. Most couples that get married in this country want to have children though.
Sure, most people do. But I’m curious, because you say that secular society is ruining “traditional family values,” and poppin’ out babies seems to be a traditional family value.
Less,
In the last 40 years I believe society has taken a turn for the worse; no fault divorce, abortion, low church attendence, moral relativism, etc…
I’m simply curious whether or not you believe childless marriages to be one of those turns for the worse.
@Jasper: Can people not be good people if they don’t go to church?
Less,
Not necessarily….no.
Rae,
yes, they can be good people.
@Jasper: Than why are you so concerned with the lack of church attendance? Perhaps people are disenfranchised with congregational worship and prefer to worship in solitude?
Mkay. I was just curious as to whether or not you thought as such. I’m glad to have an answer. ^^ (And for the record, that is a happy face. I realized today that not everyone knows that, and then felt bad)
Lonely without you MK! Welcome back!!
Rae, it’s all very well for Jill to talk nice to you NOW, but remember, if she had had her way in the past YOU would never have been conceived.
It’s a little like a Nazi concentration-camp guard talking nice to a Jewish survivor.
Also, Rae, you wrote: “my mom suffered severe hemorrhaging due to a severely prolapsed uterus as she delivered the placenta…my guess is it’s due to the D and C procedures she underwent after each of her previous miscarriages to “clean things out””
You are mistaken–D&C does not cause subsequent prolapsed uterus, or for that matter, any problems with pregnancy at all. (see for instance http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/140/8/620
).
Rae,
Rae, it’s all very well for Jill to talk nice to you NOW, but remember, if she had had her way in the past YOU would never have been conceived.
If SOMG had his way in the past, you’re mother would have paid him a lot of money to abort you…
I hope you know that Jill does not feel that way.
As she said, it’s not the children who survive that concern us, it’s the ones that don’t.
I, for one, am thrilled that you are here, no matter how it happened!
Any news on our two very good looking boys?
Have you asked one of them out yet? Have they asked you? C’mon, give! Tell me everything!