Examining the complexity of abortion opinions in the United States: Implications for public health policy

Abortion remains a salient, but contentious, public health issue in the US. Access to safe, legal abortions has been severely restricted since abortion became legal, suggesting that general opinions may be more “pro-life” based. Previous research has examined the extent to which specific characteristics (e.g., age, gender) predict abortion attitudes utilizing a dichotomous, Pro-choice versus Pro-life, outcome. However, little research has examined the extent to which abortion opinions are more complex (i.e., people's opinions deviate from strictly pro-choice/pro-life stances, with more nuanced attitudes towards access to/legalization of abortion). As such, the current study assessed rates and predictors of complexity in abortion opinions.

Data from the General Social Survey were utilized to assess rates and predictors of complexity in abortion opinions. Multiple regression was utilized to assess predictors (race, religious views, age, gender, education, political affiliation, ideology) of complexity in abortion opinions.

Results indicated that some predictors found to be significant regarding dichotomous abortion opinions were not significant or equally correlated to complexity in abortion opinions. Specifically, race, age, and political affiliation were not related to complexity in abortion opinions, however, ideology and religious identifications were significant predictors. Education exhibited the strongest negative correlation with complexity of abortion opinions.

Although policymakers and media portray abortion as black and white, current findings suggests that women and men believe access to safe abortion should be available in certain situation. Current findings provide a more accurate view of abortion opinions which should be used to inform future policies regarding legal access to safe abortions.