by Ponderer on September 2, 2021 9:26 am
POLL: Texans oppose extreme six-week abortion ban
A majority of Texans are against new abortion restrictions, overwhelmingly oppose provisions in HB 1515/SB 8.
Today, the Trust Respect Access coalition released data from polling on abortion laws and anti-abortion bills in the Texas Legislature. The poll includes approval ratings as well as opinions on legislative priorities and House Bill 1515/Senate Bill 8, companion bills that would ban abortion at six weeks gestation, before many people even know that they are pregnant. The bills would also allow anyone to sue an abortion provider or anyone who helps someone obtain an abortion.
The poll jointly commissioned by Trust Respect Access partners offers insights by Texans from across the political spectrum. The following are key findings:
Across the political spectrum, Texans are united against extreme proposals
A majority of all poll respondents - including a majority of ideological subgroups - are opposed to anti-abortion measures currently being considered in the Texas Legislature. These unpopular proposals include HB 1515/SB 8, a six-week abortion ban that would also allow out-of-state people to sue Texans who help someone access abortion. HB 1515/SB 8 also includes a “rapist rights” provision that would allow rapists to sue a doctor who performs an abortion on their victim.
It is worth noting that it is rare to see Trump voters, Democrats, and Independents on the same side of an issue - this survey shows that the combined opposition transcends ideology.
Double-digit opposition
Texans have differing ideologies and opinions, but when it comes to the anti-abortion measures currently under consideration at the Legislature, voters expressed opposition by wide margins. In the bipartisan survey, only 33% of respondents identified as Democrats while 41% identified as Republican and 27% as Independent. Even so, the poll found the combined opinions as follows:
• Measure to ban abortion: 51% oppose, 36% favor, 12% not sure
• Out-of-state lawsuits: 63% oppose, 19% favor, 18% not sure
• “Rapists rights”: 76% oppose, 12% favor, 13% unsure
• Carrying non-viable pregnancies to term: 64% oppose, 20% favor, 15% unsure
Misplaced priorities by the Legislature
When asked what they think the number one priority should be for the Legislature, the top issue voters chose was ensuring a stable energy grid. That was followed by public schools and healthcare (covid response, hospitals, and vaccines). Texans do not believe that abortion should be a top priority in the Legislature.
I said "foist" because I meant "foist". And foisting is what it is.
