The Nation - News from Jan. 22, 1989

A majority of Americans are opposed to the Supreme Court’s overturning its 1973 decision in Roe vs. Wade, which grants women the right to have abortions, the latest Gallup Poll said. The court recently decided to consider the constitutionality of a Missouri law that places restrictions on abortion rights. According to the survey, 58% said they were against upsetting the Roe vs. Wade ruling, 37% favored overturning it and 5% were undecided. In a September, 1988, poll, 57% favored legal abortions under certain circumstances, while 24% backed unlimited access and 17% an outright ban on all abortions. Public opinion on this question has remained virtually unchanged since the 1973 court ruling. Opposition to the court’s overturning Roe vs. Wade outweighs support in all major demographic groups. Little difference is found on the basis of sex, religious preference or political affiliation.