KoC-Marist Poll: 84 Percent Would Ban Abortion After 3 Months

The overwhelming majority of Americans remain very uncomfortable about abortion, with 84 percent wanting it limited to, at most, the first 90 days of pregnancy, according to a new Knights of Columbus-Marist poll.

Almost seven in 10 (69 percent) who identify themselves as "pro-choice" favor this limit on abortion, the survey found.

"Four decades after Roe vs. Wade, the American people remain unhappy with its legacy," said Knights of Columbus CEO Carl Anderson. "The survey makes clear that the American people understand that abortion is far too common, and causes great harm. And even those who consider themselves ‘pro-choice’ want it reduced significantly. It is time that our lawmakers respond to this public consensus with appropriate legislation."

The Obama administration, however, appears to be going in the opposite direction. The White House is threatening to veto the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36) – a Republican-backed bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks – arguing the measure is an "assault on a woman's right to choose" and "disregards" women's health and the Constitution.

A House vote on the measure, introduced by Arizona Republican Rep. Trent Franks, is scheduled for Thursday — the 42nd anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision.

Abortion foes will hold the March for Life in Washington that day.

The Knights of Columbus-Marist poll suggests there is strong popular support for the pro-life cause, with 68 percent of Americans opposing taxpayer funding of abortion and 28 percent supporting it. It found that 64 percent say the nation's abortion rate is higher than it should be compared to 7 percent who think it is too low.

Also, by a margin of almost 3-1 (59 percent to 22 percent), Americans believe abortion is doing a woman more harm than good. Almost 80 percent support parental notification before a minor can obtain an abortion, and by a margin of 57 percent to 37 percent, Americans support legislation that would permit medical professionals to refuse to provide abortions or refer patients to obtain them.

The survey of 2,079 U.S. adults was conducted from Jan. 7 through Jan. 13.

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