Polling Ignorance

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TRANSCRIPT

Many mainstream media outlets are speaking the same language: America wants Roe to stay.

But there's a problem. Evidence shows Americans don't understand what Roe v. Wade actually did.

Thanks to a court of all men and some ambiguous terminology on health, Roe granted an unfettered constitutional right to abortion before the viability of the unborn baby.

Now consider this poll by CBS News and YouGov.

In response to the general question, "Do you approve or disapprove of the court overturning Roe v. Wade?"

• 41% said approve
• 59% said disapprove

But as a follow-up, the poll queries: "Do you want abortion in [state] to be:

• Legal in all cases
• Legal in most cases
• Illegal in most cases
• Illegal in all cases?"

Only 32% of respondents said they want abortion legal in all cases — the only acceptable answer for someone who would support the 1973 decision.

This is a staggering difference from the earlier question.

Rasmussen's polling offered an entirely different result. When asking its respondents whether they approved or disapproved of SCOTUS' ruling, only 45% of Americans disapproved — including 38% strongly disapproving.

With variance in overall results and contradicting answers, the polls indicate one thing: No matter their positions, Americans don't understand what Roe actually did.

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