Most Americans say they oppose treating frozen embryos as human beings and do not support holding those who destroy genetic material legally responsible, according to a new survey.
Axios/Ipsos pollThe report, released on Wednesday, found that two-thirds (66%) of respondents said they disagreed with this position, with 45% strongly disagreeing and 21% somewhat disagreeing. is answering.
However, less than half (45%) of respondents said they were familiar with the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision itself, and those concerned about the impact such a decision could have on access to IVF (IVF) and other reproductive rights, sparking a nationwide backlash among
The ruling, handed down earlier this month, ruled that frozen embryos and fertilized eggs are children under state law and are subject to the wrongful death of minors law, stating that “all children, regardless of their place of residence, This applies to all fetuses.”
By political party, respondents’ affinity with the government and, to a lesser extent, their stance on the ruling are largely divided by party.
While 65% of Democrats said they were familiar with the Alabama ruling, only 42% of independents and 34% of Republicans said the same.
When asked about the conclusion itself, without specifically mentioning the court, 82% of Democrats said they opposed it, while 67% of independents and 49% of Republicans said they opposed it.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, some Republicans are wary of supporting positions deemed too extreme, and the decision could lead to a 2024 election cycle. may have an impact. abortion.
Democrats have been quick to take note of the issue, and parts of the Senate are currently trying to force a vote on legislation that would protect access to IVF.
Former President Trump, the leading Republican candidate in the presidential primary, also distanced himself from the Alabama ruling and called on the state to protect in vitro fertilization after the ruling was released.
His main opponent, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, said last week that while she believes fetuses are “babies,” she doesn’t necessarily agree with the Alabama ruling. .
The Axios/Ipsos poll was conducted among 1,020 Americans between February 23 and 25, 2024, one week after the Alabama Supreme Court concluded the above, and the total margin of error is was plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.
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