Recent polling by the Polling Company has shown strong support for two legislative proposals strongly backed by the National Right Life Committee.
These proposals include prohibiting abortion after the time at which the unborn child can feel pain and prohibiting abortions for sex selection.
There is now substantial scientific evidence that the unborn child can feel pain by at least 20 weeks. Nine states have passed NRLC model legislation prohibiting elective abortion on these pain capable unborn children. Similar legislation which would apply in the District of Columbia will soon be reintroduced in Congress.
The Polling Company found that 64% would support such a law prohibiting abortion after 20 weeks — when the baby is capable of feeling pain–unless the life of the mother was in danger. Only 30% opposed it. Supporters included 47% of those who identified themselves as “pro-choice” in the poll.
The poll also found that lawmakers who opposed such a law would do so at political peril. 48% said that they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who had voted against such a law.
With public attention focused on the trail of Kermit Gosnell and the gruesome and undoubtedly painful aspects of late abortion, it is expected that greatly increased attention will be given to legislation to protect unborn children from painful late abortions.
The widespread use of abortion for sex selection in China and other parts of Asia, and the increasing evidence of sex selection abortions in the United States, has resulted in overwhelming public opposition to this deadly discrimination which almost always results in the killing of baby girls.
The Polling Company found that 85% did not think that sex selection abortions should be legal while only 11% would allow abortion for sex selection.
81% would be less likely to vote for a candidate who had voted to keep sex selection abortion legal.
The poll found that that a strong majority continues to oppose using public funds for abortion. 58% opposed using tax dollars to pay for abortion, with 46% strongly opposed. Only 35% supported using tax dollars to pay for abortion and only 19% strongly supported it.
A majority also continues to oppose the vast majority of abortions that are performed. 11% would prohibit all abortions, 14 % would allow abortion only to save the life of the mother and 28% would allow abortion only in cases of life of mother, rape or incest. This indicates that 53% oppose over at least 92% of the abortions that are performed.
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Another 20% would allow abortion for any reason, but limit it to the first 3 months, 10% would allow it for any reason up to 6 months and 12% throughout pregnancy.
The poll was conducted February 28 – March 3, 2013 of 1,003 registered voters with a margin of error of 3.1%
LifeNews Note: David O’Steen is the executive director of the National Right to Life Committe.
