Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Few Catholics See Contraceptive Use as Morally Wrong

Although the use of contraception is forbidden by church doctrine, few U.S. Catholics regard it as morally wrong. Just 15% of Catholics say that using contraception is morally wrong; 41% say it is morally acceptable and 36% say it is not a moral issue. Even among Catholics who attend church weekly, just 27% say contraception is morally wrong.

By comparison, 55% of Catholics (and 68% of those who attend Mass weekly) regard having an abortion as morally wrong. Among the public overall, 48% regard having an abortion as morally wrong.

Another practice forbidden by church doctrine — getting a divorce – is regarded as morally wrong by just 19% of Catholics. Read More