Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Age distribution among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who are ages…
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Views about abortion
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
18%
34%
31%
17%
3,402
Illegal in all/most cases
17%
33%
27%
22%
3,317
Don't know
8%
28%
31%
34%
342
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who are…
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Views about abortion
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
12%
11%
29%
37%
10%
1%
3,402
Illegal in all/most cases
11%
12%
28%
33%
15%
2%
3,317
Don't know
5%
5%
25%
37%
23%
4%
342
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who are…
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Views about abortion
Men
Women
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
45%
55%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
47%
53%
3,387
Don't know
46%
54%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who identify as…
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Views about abortion
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
61%
3%
3%
30%
2%
3,432
Illegal in all/most cases
57%
2%
3%
37%
1%
3,341
Don't know
55%
3%
1%
38%
4%
340
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who are…
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Views about abortion
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
24%
16%
60%
3,435
Illegal in all/most cases
32%
13%
55%
3,346
Don't know
29%
18%
52%
346
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who have a household income of…
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Views about abortion
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
31%
20%
27%
21%
3,012
Illegal in all/most cases
40%
19%
24%
17%
2,867
Don't know
49%
18%
23%
10%
258
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Educational distribution among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who have completed…
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Views about abortion
High school or less
Some college
College
Post-graduate degree
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
42%
29%
19%
10%
3,445
Illegal in all/most cases
50%
25%
15%
10%
3,364
Don't know
56%
27%
11%
7%
348
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who are…
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Views about abortion
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
50%
9%
12%
6%
23%
3,458
Illegal in all/most cases
53%
8%
11%
8%
19%
3,372
Don't know
47%
5%
15%
12%
20%
346
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who are…
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Views about abortion
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
29%
71%
3,452
Illegal in all/most cases
33%
67%
3,374
Don't know
22%
78%
346
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say they…
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Views about abortion
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
58%
31%
7%
1%
2%
1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
71%
24%
3%
1%
1%
1%
3,387
Don't know
62%
25%
6%
6%
< 1%
1%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say religion is…
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Views about abortion
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
43%
41%
12%
4%
< 1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
72%
24%
3%
1%
< 1%
3,387
Don't know
61%
28%
6%
1%
3%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who attend religious services…
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Views about abortion
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
26%
48%
26%
< 1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
53%
33%
14%
< 1%
3,387
Don't know
40%
36%
20%
4%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who pray…
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Views about abortion
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
51%
22%
9%
18%
< 1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
66%
20%
5%
8%
< 1%
3,387
Don't know
64%
14%
5%
10%
6%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who attend prayer group…
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Views about abortion
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
12%
7%
9%
72%
< 1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
22%
12%
12%
54%
1%
3,387
Don't know
21%
5%
7%
63%
5%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who meditate…
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Views about abortion
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
34%
10%
5%
50%
1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
45%
8%
5%
40%
2%
3,387
Don't know
51%
5%
3%
37%
4%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Views about abortion
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
50%
18%
13%
17%
1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
63%
16%
10%
11%
1%
3,387
Don't know
63%
12%
9%
12%
4%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Views about abortion
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
39%
17%
15%
28%
1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
45%
14%
14%
26%
1%
3,387
Don't know
48%
10%
12%
26%
4%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Views about abortion
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
18%
11%
57%
12%
2%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
42%
9%
38%
9%
2%
3,387
Don't know
24%
7%
53%
7%
9%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say…
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Views about abortion
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
25%
73%
1%
1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
36%
61%
1%
2%
3,387
Don't know
29%
64%
3%
5%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who read scripture…
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Views about abortion
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
17%
9%
11%
62%
1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
34%
14%
9%
43%
< 1%
3,387
Don't know
24%
7%
14%
51%
5%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say the holy scripture is…
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Views about abortion
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
18%
33%
2%
40%
8%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
34%
41%
3%
16%
6%
3,387
Don't know
25%
22%
10%
23%
20%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who …in heaven
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Views about abortion
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
81%
14%
6%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
89%
6%
4%
3,387
Don't know
82%
9%
9%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who …in hell
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Views about abortion
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
57%
36%
8%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
71%
22%
7%
3,387
Don't know
53%
26%
22%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who identify as…
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Views about abortion
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
29%
17%
53%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
47%
19%
34%
3,387
Don't know
26%
28%
46%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who are…
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Views about abortion
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
27%
41%
27%
5%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
48%
31%
17%
4%
3,387
Don't know
33%
34%
20%
12%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who would rather have…
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Views about abortion
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
44%
50%
3%
4%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
52%
44%
2%
2%
3,387
Don't know
34%
46%
8%
12%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say government aid to the poor…
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Views about abortion
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
42%
53%
3%
1%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
51%
44%
3%
2%
3,387
Don't know
37%
46%
7%
10%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say homosexuality…
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Views about abortion
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
83%
12%
2%
2%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
57%
34%
5%
4%
3,387
Don't know
58%
17%
8%
16%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who …same-sex marriage
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Views about abortion
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
72%
21%
7%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
42%
49%
9%
3,387
Don't know
44%
22%
34%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say…
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Views about abortion
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
32%
64%
2%
2%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
47%
48%
2%
3%
3,387
Don't know
35%
42%
8%
15%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among Catholics by views about abortion
% of Catholics who say humans…
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Views about abortion
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
Legal in all/most cases
40%
31%
4%
23%
3%
3,463
Illegal in all/most cases
22%
33%
4%
36%
6%
3,387
Don't know
23%
26%
9%
27%
15%
352
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.