In 2023, at least six-in-ten American adults among almost all religious groups believed that abortion should be legal in the case of rape or incest, Muslim Americans were the only exception with 52 percent. On the other hand, fewer than one-in-ten respondents among most religious groups believed that abortion should not be legal in the United States, regardless of the circumstance. This statistic illustrates the share of support toward the legalization of abortion in the United States in 2023, by circumstance and religion.
Share of adults who support legalization of abortion in the following circumstances in the United States in 2023, by religion
Characteristic
Protestant
Catholic
Mormon
Jewish
Muslim
Buddhist
Hindu
Atheist or agnostic
Nothing in particular
Other
If the patient’s health is endangered
61%
59%
49%
81%
50%
72%
69%
93%
77%
57%
If the patient's life is endangered
74%
68%
60%
85%
53%
73%
68%
95%
82%
63%
In cases of rape or incest
70%
69%
61%
82%
52%
70%
71%
95%
85%
68%
If the fetus is not expected to survive
57%
57%
37%
76%
41%
69%
65%
93%
75%
55%
If the fetus is expected to have serious birth defects
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The 19th. (September 18, 2023). Share of adults who support legalization of abortion in the following circumstances in the United States in 2023, by religion [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 04, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1461194/support-for-legalization-of-abortion-by-reason-and-religion-us/
The 19th. "Share of adults who support legalization of abortion in the following circumstances in the United States in 2023, by religion." Chart. September 18, 2023. Statista. Accessed June 04, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1461194/support-for-legalization-of-abortion-by-reason-and-religion-us/
The 19th. (2023). Share of adults who support legalization of abortion in the following circumstances in the United States in 2023, by religion. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 04, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1461194/support-for-legalization-of-abortion-by-reason-and-religion-us/
The 19th. "Share of Adults Who Support Legalization of Abortion in The following Circumstances in The United States in 2023, by Religion." Statista, Statista Inc., 18 Sep 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1461194/support-for-legalization-of-abortion-by-reason-and-religion-us/
The 19th, Share of adults who support legalization of abortion in the following circumstances in the United States in 2023, by religion Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1461194/support-for-legalization-of-abortion-by-reason-and-religion-us/ (last visited June 04, 2025)
Share of adults who support legalization of abortion in the following circumstances in the United States in 2023, by religion [Graph], The 19th, September 18, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1461194/support-for-legalization-of-abortion-by-reason-and-religion-us/
