Abortion rights have long been ballot winners — but post-Roe, even more so

Since the ruling of Roe vs. Wade in 1973, the issue of abortion rights has consistently been a ballot winner, with the majority of the nation’s population consistently choosing to support the legal right of individuals to terminate their pregnancy. Support for abortion rights has grown even stronger in the decades following Roe, with a clear majority of Americans supporting legal access to abortion in opinion polls. This support is evident in the ballot box as well, as progressive candidates who support abortion rights have been victorious in elections across the country. The high degree of public support for abortion rights has continued even after the passage of more restrictive laws in numerous states. This demonstrates that, even when the question of abortion rights is brought directly to the vote, the majority of the population continues to support legal access to abortion.