Attitudes toward fetal development-based abortion bans in the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT Previous research indicates that abortion attitudes may vary across different contexts, such as the reason for abortion and gestational age of the pregnancy. To expand on these findings, we examined abortion attitudes as they pertain to fetal development-based bans. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, we assessed correlates of support and opposition to these types of bans and contextualized our quantitative findings by analyzing open-ended responses where participants provided the rationale for their close-ended responses. Approximately half of our sample was supportive of fetal development-based bans at implantation/fertilization or detection of a fetal heartbeat. Participants associated developmental markers with the beginning of ‘real’ life, personal responsibility, and the role of the government in legislating abortion, thereby indicating that these markers function as culturally established symbols. These interpretations are consistent with broader messaging and framing of the pro-life and pro-choice movements in the USA.