Summary
Recent polling indicates that a significant majority of Hispanic Americans, regardless of their religious affiliation, support legal access to abortion in most or all cases. This trend is particularly notable as the upcoming U.S. elections approach, highlighting a shift in attitudes that contrasts with the traditional perception of Hispanic Americans as predominantly socially conservative.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted a poll from September 12 to 16, 2024, revealing that approximately 60% of Hispanic Protestants and about two-thirds of Hispanic Catholics believe abortion should be legal in most or all circumstances. This sentiment aligns with broader trends observed among various religious demographics in the U.S., contrasting sharply with white evangelical Protestants, where only about 25% support legal abortion. The poll also found that around 40% of Hispanic Protestant and Catholic registered voters consider abortion policy a critical issue in the upcoming election, alongside concerns about the economy, healthcare, crime, and immigration.
Demographic Insights
The poll indicates that about 40% of U.S. Hispanics identify as Catholic, roughly one-third as Protestant or “other Christian,” and around 25% as religiously unaffiliated. Among these groups, half of the Protestant respondents identified as evangelical or born-again. Despite varying theological beliefs, Hispanic Protestants and Catholics share similar views on major issues, including abortion and immigration, demonstrating a common ground that transcends religious boundaries.
Political Context
The findings come at a pivotal moment as Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, champions abortion rights, while her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, emphasizes his judicial appointments that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The changing political landscape following this landmark decision appears to have influenced Hispanic Americans’ views on abortion access, with many shifting from anti-abortion stances primarily due to their religiosity to supporting broader access in light of perceived threats to reproductive rights.
Individual Perspectives
Personal anecdotes from voters illustrate the complexity of opinions within the Hispanic community. For instance, some individuals, like Lorraine Martinez, a retired schoolteacher, advocate for reproductive rights and oppose mass deportations, while others, such as Pam Butcher, express strong pro-life convictions, viewing abortion as a moral issue. This duality reflects the diverse political landscape among Hispanic Americans, who are navigating their identities and values in relation to broader societal debates on abortion and immigration.
Conclusion
Overall, the polling data underscores a significant shift in attitudes among Hispanic Americans regarding abortion access, revealing a more progressive stance than traditionally assumed. As the November elections approach, these views may play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, particularly in contested races where Hispanic voters could influence outcomes.
Most Hispanic Americans — whether Catholic or Protestant —support abortion access: AP-NORC poll
Sep. 23 / Yahoo! News “ For decades, some political analysts have sought to depict Hispanic Americans as “socially conservative” — and indeed many of them are. But a new poll from...
Most Hispanic Americans — whether Catholic or Protestant — support abortion access: AP-NORC poll
Sep. 23 / The San Diego Union-tribune “ For decades, some political analysts have sought to depict Hispanic Americans as “socially conservative” — and indeed many of them are. But a new poll from...
Most Hispanic Americans — Whether Catholic or Protestant —Support Abortion Access: AP-NORC Poll
Sep. 23 / Usnews “ For decades, some political analysts have sought to depict Hispanic Americans as “socially conservative” — and indeed many of them are. But a new poll from...
Most Hispanic Americans support abortion access: AP-NORC poll
Sep. 23 / Apnews “ For decades, some political analysts have sought to depict Hispanic Americans as “socially conservative” — and indeed many of them are. But a new poll from...
Most Hispanic Americans — whether Catholic or Protestant —support abortion access: AP-NORC poll
Sep. 23 / Newsday “ For decades, some political analysts have sought to depict Hispanic Americans as “socially conservative” — and indeed many of them are. But a new poll from...
Most Hispanic Americans—Catholic and Protestant—Support Abortion: Poll
Sep. 23 / Newsweek “ Hispanic Americans are generally considered by political analysts to be socially conservative. However, a new survey reveals that a significant majority of...