A poll, conducted last week, indicates a majority of Louisianans are more pro-choice than pro-life when it comes to the issue of abortion. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics said 53% support a constitutional amendment to establish the right to an abortion.
“After the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v Wade, and you’re faced with the prospect of draconian laws, I think that has changed some people’s opinions about if they truly are pro-life or pro-choice, or do they favor some level of exceptions,” said Couvillon.
49% identify as pro-choice compared to 44% who are pro-life according to the survey.
Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response (STAR) Advocates, National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF) commissioned the survey of 1,000 individuals.
Couvillon said the poll asked if exceptions should be made for rape or incest and if a physician believes it’s medically necessary.
“The strongest one, from the standpoint of the support being overwhelming, is to protect the patient’s health. That one was 73% to 18% statewide in favor of that exception,” said Couvillon.
70% support exceptions for cases involving rape and incest.
Of the individuals surveyed, 38% were Republican, 39% Democratic, and 23% Independent. Couvillon said the breakdown is one lawmakers must consider during this legislative session and election year.
“It’s a case of a statically significant number of Republicans who are supporting these exceptions and so that is the challenge the legislature will have this year,” said Couvillon.
The poll was conducted April 3-6, 2023.
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