New S.C. poll shows broad support for abortion access

Staff reports  |  A new Winthrop Poll shows broad support for abortion access among South Carolinians.

The results of the poll, conducted May 8-21 but released this morning, come as South Carolina is one of several Southern states to ban abortion after six weeks, which is about the time most women learn they are pregnant.  As a result of the state policy pushed by the Republican-controlled state legislature, women who want to choose their reproductive health care often have to travel out of state.

“Very strong majorities in South Carolina, including strong majorities among both Democrats and Republicans, believe abortion should remain legal under some circumstances such as the health of the mother and if the pregnancy was due to rape,” said Winthrop pollster Scott Huffmon. “Fewer than one-third of South Carolinians support South Carolina’s current abortion ban after six weeks. 

“In fact, the measure is supported by even less than half of Republicans in South Carolina. However, the opinion among Republicans is much more nuanced. While less than half may support the six-week abortion ban, even fewer oppose the ban, meaning more Republicans support the ban than oppose it. This is the result of nearly one-fifth of Republicans reporting they are ‘not sure’ (17%) or refusing to answer (2%).”

Top results of the poll of 1,174 South Carolinians show:

Threatens health: 84% of South Carolinians of women should be able to get a legal abortion if a pregnancy threatens’ the life of the woman or her health. 

Result of rape:  81% support legal abortion if a pregnancy is a result of rape.

Disabilities, health problems:  60% of South Carolinians support legal abortion if a child is likely to be born with severe disabilities or health problems.

The poll also showed that 48% of the state’s residents opposed the state’s six-week abortion ban, while 31% support it.  Two in five Republicans supported the ban, while three in five Democrats opposed it.