Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201448%47%5%7,202
200748%45%7%8,054
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who are ages…

Views about abortion18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Legal in all/most cases18%34%31%17%3,402
Illegal in all/most cases17%33%27%22%3,317
Don't know8%28%31%34%342
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who are…

Views about abortionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Legal in all/most cases12%11%29%37%10%1%3,402
Illegal in all/most cases11%12%28%33%15%2%3,317
Don't know5%5%25%37%23%4%342
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who are…

Views about abortionMenWomenSample size
Legal in all/most cases45%55%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases47%53%3,387
Don't know46%54%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who identify as…

Views about abortionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Legal in all/most cases61%3%3%30%2%3,432
Illegal in all/most cases57%2%3%37%1%3,341
Don't know55%3%1%38%4%340
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who are…

Views about abortionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Legal in all/most cases24%16%60%3,435
Illegal in all/most cases32%13%55%3,346
Don't know29%18%52%346
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who have a household income of…

Views about abortionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Legal in all/most cases31%20%27%21%3,012
Illegal in all/most cases40%19%24%17%2,867
Don't know49%18%23%10%258
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who have completed…

Views about abortionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Legal in all/most cases42%29%19%10%3,445
Illegal in all/most cases50%25%15%10%3,364
Don't know56%27%11%7%348
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who are…

Views about abortionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Legal in all/most cases50%9%12%6%23%3,458
Illegal in all/most cases53%8%11%8%19%3,372
Don't know47%5%15%12%20%346
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who are…

Views about abortionParentsNon-parentsSample size
Legal in all/most cases29%71%3,452
Illegal in all/most cases33%67%3,374
Don't know22%78%346
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say they…

Views about abortionBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Legal in all/most cases58%31%7%1%2%1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases71%24%3%1%1%1%3,387
Don't know62%25%6%6%< 1%1%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say religion is…

Views about abortionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases43%41%12%4%< 1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases72%24%3%1%< 1%3,387
Don't know61%28%6%1%3%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who attend religious services…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases26%48%26%< 1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases53%33%14%< 1%3,387
Don't know40%36%20%4%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who pray…

Views about abortionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases51%22%9%18%< 1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases66%20%5%8%< 1%3,387
Don't know64%14%5%10%6%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who attend prayer group…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases12%7%9%72%< 1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases22%12%12%54%1%3,387
Don't know21%5%7%63%5%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who meditate…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases34%10%5%50%1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases45%8%5%40%2%3,387
Don't know51%5%3%37%4%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases50%18%13%17%1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases63%16%10%11%1%3,387
Don't know63%12%9%12%4%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases39%17%15%28%1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases45%14%14%26%1%3,387
Don't know48%10%12%26%4%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about abortionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases18%11%57%12%2%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases42%9%38%9%2%3,387
Don't know24%7%53%7%9%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say…

Views about abortionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases25%73%1%1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases36%61%1%2%3,387
Don't know29%64%3%5%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who read scripture…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases17%9%11%62%1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases34%14%9%43%< 1%3,387
Don't know24%7%14%51%5%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say the holy scripture is…

Views about abortionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases18%33%2%40%8%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases34%41%3%16%6%3,387
Don't know25%22%10%23%20%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who …in heaven

Views about abortionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases81%14%6%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases89%6%4%3,387
Don't know82%9%9%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who …in hell

Views about abortionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases57%36%8%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases71%22%7%3,387
Don't know53%26%22%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who identify as…

Views about abortionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Legal in all/most cases29%17%53%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases47%19%34%3,387
Don't know26%28%46%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who are…

Views about abortionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases27%41%27%5%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases48%31%17%4%3,387
Don't know33%34%20%12%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who would rather have…

Views about abortionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases44%50%3%4%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases52%44%2%2%3,387
Don't know34%46%8%12%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…

Views about abortionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases42%53%3%1%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases51%44%3%2%3,387
Don't know37%46%7%10%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say homosexuality…

Views about abortionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases83%12%2%2%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases57%34%5%4%3,387
Don't know58%17%8%16%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage

Views about abortionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases72%21%7%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases42%49%9%3,387
Don't know44%22%34%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say…

Views about abortionStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases32%64%2%2%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases47%48%2%3%3,387
Don't know35%42%8%15%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among Catholics by views about abortion

% of Catholics who say humans…

Views about abortionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases40%31%4%23%3%3,463
Illegal in all/most cases22%33%4%36%6%3,387
Don't know23%26%9%27%15%352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.