Majority Still Supports Legal Abortions

A recent AP-NORC poll conducted from July 10 to 14, 2025, surveyed 1,437 adults and found that 64% say abortion should be legal in most or all circumstances. This is similar to pre-2022 levels before Roe was overturned. Even in states with the strictest bans, over half of adults still support legal access to abortion.

Party Lines Are Clear

The political divide is sharp. Nearly 90% of Democrats support legal abortion in most cases, while only about 40% of Republicans feel the same. Although overall support has dipped slightly since mid-2024, the party-based gap remains consistent.

Support in Specific Situations

The poll also looked at specific circumstances where abortion might be necessary. Support was even stronger here:

• Around 80% say abortion should be legal if fetal abnormalities mean the baby will not survive.
  
  
• Similar majorities agree when the pregnancy endangers the parent’s health or results from rape or incest.
  
  
• About 70% support abortion in emergencies like miscarriages.

Medical urgency continues to shape public opinion in a significant way.

Cross-State Access and Telehealth: A More Serious Split

Opinions shift slightly when it comes to cross-state care and telehealth. Just over 50% of Americans support legal protections for patients who travel out of state for abortions and for the providers who help them. About 40% support shielding doctors who mail abortion pills across state lines, while roughly 30% are against it. These responses suggest the public is more cautious, but still leaning toward legal flexibility beyond state laws.

What’s Driving These Views?

Pollsters say lived experiences are a major influence. Cases like the one in Georgia, where a woman was arrested after a miscarriage, have sparked fear and outrage. People like Ohio mom Wilaysha White, who once regretted her own abortion, now say that seeing women punished has changed their view. She believes that protecting access is essential to avoid risking women's health and freedom.

Summary: Where America Stands

• 64% overall support for legal abortion in most cases
  
  
• Strong partisan divide: Democrats around 90%, Republicans around 40%
  
  
• Near-universal support (70–80%) in medical or trauma-related situations
  
  
• Narrow majority support for cross-state and telehealth access

Despite the fall of Roe in 2022 and increasing restrictions, Americans’ support for legal abortion remains strong, especially when it comes to health, safety, and compassion.

What This Means Going Forward

This is not just a poll. It’s a signal. Abortion will stay a defining issue in American politics. Lawmakers pushing for harsher bans may face growing resistance from both local voters and national sentiment. As more people support nuanced legal protections, especially in medical emergencies or across state lines, future policies may need to reflect this evolving perspective.