Poll: Americans closely divided on abortion, regionally divided by religion

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A recent Gallup survey has shed some light on current religious affiliations and the divided opinions Americans have on the issue of abortion.

Recent polling of nearly 180,000 interviews nationwide indicates that the public is divided almost evenly on the topic of abortion. Religious views that often impact an individual’s stance on that issue however differ considerably from state-to-state and region-to-region. Non-Catholic Christians continue to be in the majority with adherence of over 54% of the country. The highest concentration of this religious denomination is in the Deep South of the United States, often referred to as the “Bible Belt”.

Mississippi and Alabama at 81% each have the largest number of Protestants and other Non-Catholic Christians. The ten most “Christian” states can all be found in the south or lower Midwest and are all predominantly non-Catholic Christian by 70% or more. More than 24% of Americans affiliate with Catholicism, the largest religious denomination in the world. Catholics are less concentrated to any one region of the country although it’s clear many northeastern states are highest in numbers.

Rhode Island at 53% has the highest number of Catholics, followed by Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Six other states have Catholic populations between 30-40% although they (Vermont, Wisconsin, Illinois, Louisiana, New Mexico, and California) are dispersed throughout the rest of the country.

The Jewish citizenry of America makes up less than two percent of the overall population. In certain states Jews are barely traceable in numbers but others have quite high populations. At seven percent New York State has the highest percentage of Jews with New York City as the focal point of that concentration. Jews are far and away most numerous in large urban areas such as the aforementioned New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Religious affiliation plays a large role on one’s abortion stance and for the most part these figures from states and regions are skewed towards one major party or the other.

Gallup and ABC News/Washington Post recently polled Americans on their opinion regarding the always hot topic of abortion. The ABC poll shows that a solid majority of Americans (55%) still believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases. Gallup results on the other hand suggest that a solid majority (78%) think abortion should be legal in “some” or all instances.

For the first time in several years however the number of those considering themselves pro-life (47%) is nearly identical to those who claim to be pro-choice (46%). These figures actually mark a decline in what seemed like exaggerated Gallup figures from three months ago that placed pro-lifers at an historic high of 51%. Still the 47-46% split marks the first time since late-2001 that as many or more Americans claim to be pro-life as pro-choice.

Many factors go in the deciding what candidates or political parties individual Americans choose to support most frequently. There is an undeniable correlation to be made between abortion views, religion and region however. The Deep South has the highest concentration of Christians, Protestants and active Church-goers in the country. Generally speaking this is also the most pro-life region in America and the most faithfully voting Republican block to boot. The more pro-choice Democratic Party unsurprisingly does better in northeastern and Pacific Rim states that include higher than average percentages of Catholics, Jews, Atheists and other religions.