A recent survey by KFF found that a majority of women living in states where abortion has been banned still want legal access to the procedure. This suggests that voters have largely supported abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. In states that limit abortion, two-thirds of women oppose a nationwide ban on the abortion pill, indicating strong support for reproductive freedom even in restrictive environments.
The survey, which polled 1,316 adults, including half who were women, residing in all 50 states and Washington, DC, included both states with bans on abortion and those with gestational limits. According to the results, 67% of women in states with bans or restrictions support legal access to abortion, while 71% of women in states with gestational limits also believe abortion should be legal.
The Florida Supreme Court recently upheld a 15-week ban on abortion, paving the way for potential further restrictions. However, this poses a challenge to Republicans seeking to restrict abortion through ballot initiatives as there is overwhelming support for reproductive freedom among voters even in restrictive environments. In November, Florida voters will decide whether to make abortion a constitutional right and potentially override existing bans. The Supreme Court is also expected to issue a ruling on the national ban on mifepristone soon though justices appeared skeptical about enforcing such limits during a hearing in March.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for a national ban on mifepristone but has not addressed limits on its access specifically.
In conclusion, the survey results show that there is strong support for reproductive freedom among voters even in restrictive environments and this poses a challenge to Republicans seeking to restrict it through ballot initiatives.
