World Publics Reject Criminal Penalties for Abortion: Public at Odds With Their Country's Laws in Half of Countries Polled

Abstract

WorldPublicOpinion.org finds that in 17 out of 18 nations polled around the world, majorities reject using criminal penalties, such as fines and imprisonment, as a means to prevent abortion. Nations differ on whether the government should make any effort to discourage abortion. In nine nations majorities believe their government should simply leave these matters to individuals.