See the latest Pew Research Center reports and data on views toward abortion in the United States and around the world.
Contraception Coverage Mandate Back In Spotlight
Over the past year or so, several dozen business owners have sued the federal government over a provision in the 2010 Affordable Care Act that requires many employers to include free coverage of contraceptive services in their employees’ health insurance plans.
N.Y., Washington State Consider Bucking Trend on Abortion
The two states consider measures that run counter to a recent, nationwide trend toward imposing more restrictions on abortion.
The Contraception Mandate and Religious Liberty
On Feb. 1, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed new rules that would exempt certain religious organizations from a new mandate to offer free contraception services to women employees.
Infographic: Public Opinion on Abortion and Roe v. Wade
Graphic showing the views on abortion and Roe v. Wade.
Roe v. Wade at 40
As anniversary nears, more than six-in-ten say they don’t want the landmark case completely overturned.
The Complicated Politics of Abortion
Following Missouri GOP Senate candidate Todd Akin’s controversial comments about abortion, our summary looks at previous public opinion reports on abortion among Democrats and Republicans and in the campaign.
More Support for Gun Rights, Gay Marriage than in 2008 or 2004
Opinions about a pair of contentious social issues, gun control and gay marriage, have changed substantially since previous presidential campaigns. On gun control, Americans have become more conservative; on gay marriage, they have become more liberal.
Public Divided Over Birth Control Insurance Mandate
Americans are closely divided over whether religiously-affiliated institutions should be given an exemption if they object to a proposed federal rule requiring employers to cover birth control as part of their health care benefits.
The Generation Gap and the 2012 Election
In the last four national elections, generation has mattered more in American elections than it has in decades. This continues to be true as voters look ahead toward the 2012 general election. In a contest between President Obama and Mitt Romney, there is a 20-point gap in support for Obama between Millennials and the over-65 Silent generation.
Shifting Political Winds
Americans’ are less discontent with the federal government but no more ready for political compromise. Views of Congress remain heavily negative, while Obama’s ratings stay positive. On social issues, the public is, for the first time, evenly split on gay marriage, while support for legal abortion, legalized marijuana — but not gun control — have all risen.
