Support for legalization of abortion in the U.S. 2023, by circumstance and religion

Published by Statista Research Department, Apr 19, 2024

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

CharacteristicProtestantCatholicMormonJewishMuslimBuddhistHinduAtheist or agnosticNothing in particularOther
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 49% 49% 32% 75% 40% 65% 65% 90% 70% 47%
For women who do not wish to be pregnant 30% 33% 25% 62% 26% 58% 57% 82% 57% 37%
Under no circumstances 10% 9% 11% 3% 11% 2% 1% 1% 4% 10%
No answer 2% 4% 2% 2% 6% 2% 5% 1% 2% 5%
Showing entries 1 to 8 (8 entries in total)

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Release date

September 2023

Region

United States

Survey time period

August 24 to 31, 2023

Number of respondents

20,191 respondents

Age group

18 years and older

Method of interview

Telephone interviews and online survey

Supplementary notes

Original question: “In which, if any, of the following circumstances do you think abortion should be legal? (Select all that apply)”

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Statistics on " Views on abortion in the U.S. "

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Overview

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Medication abortion access

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Abortion policies

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Presidential election

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