Public Attitudes Towards Candidates' Position On Abortion

Research conducted by MORI's Social Research Institute on behalf of BPAS asks:

"Generally speaking, could you please tell me how important you think a political candidate's position on abortion is, in deciding whether or not to vote for that candidate?"

The results, which were presented to MPs for discussion and debate show that 4 in ten (43%) of British people feel it is important, but 50% say it is not. This is in contrast to similar research conducted in the United States, where seven in 10 (71%) of voters said that a candidate's handling of abortion was important in determining how they would vote in the 2000 Presidential election.

The MORI poll commissioned by BPAS, the UK's largest specialist provider of abortion services, highlights the difference between American and British attitudes.

Ian Jones, Chief Executive of BPAS said:

"The results of the MORI poll are a useful insight into voters' views. It shows that for half of GB voters a political candidate's position on abortion is not an important issue in deciding whether or not to vote for that candidate. MPs who are openly pro-choice may not necessarily lose votes. Overall, 62% of people agree that abortion should be legally available for all who want it."

Notes

• At the request of BPAS, MORI surveyed 2,006 adults (aged 15+) on its Omnibus between 4 and 9 October 2001. Interviews were carried out using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) face-to-face in respondent's homes. Data have been weighted to reflect the national population profile.
• The results also suggest that a political candidate's position on abortion is more important to British voters who read broadsheet newspapers (53%), are single (49%) and live in the South of England (48%).
• The US poll conducted for ABC News and the Washington Post asked: "How important will....handling the abortion issue...be to you in deciding how to vote in the 2000 Presidential election in November?"
• BPAS is the UK's largest independent abortion provider. It provides abortion care for 48,000 women each year.
• More information on BPAS is available at www.bpas.org