Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201457%38%5%3,697
200759%34%6%3,574
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.

Learn More: Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

Views about abortion among adults in California by religious group

% of adults in California who say abortion should be…

Religious traditionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Catholic46%50%4%878
Evangelical Protestant35%60%5%718
Jewish90%8%2%125
Mainline Protestant66%28%6%452
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")81%15%4%1,042
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.

Learn More: Legal in all/most cases, Illegal in all/most cases

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who are ages…

Views about abortion18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Legal in all/most cases26%34%25%15%2,229
Illegal in all/most cases22%39%24%15%1,205
Don't know13%41%25%21%174
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who are…

Views about abortionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Legal in all/most cases17%15%27%30%10%1%2,229
Illegal in all/most cases14%15%31%28%10%1%1,205
Don't know4%16%34%28%16%2%174
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who are…

Views about abortionMenWomenSample size
Legal in all/most cases48%52%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases50%50%1,231
Don't know56%44%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who identify as…

Views about abortionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Legal in all/most cases51%6%14%26%3%2,257
Illegal in all/most cases32%5%12%47%3%1,213
Don't know40%8%12%36%4%162
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who are…

Views about abortionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Legal in all/most cases26%19%55%2,263
Illegal in all/most cases44%15%41%1,205
Don't know33%12%55%173
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who have a household income of…

Views about abortionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Legal in all/most cases29%17%26%28%2,017
Illegal in all/most cases47%19%20%14%1,048
Don't know35%26%15%24%120
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who have completed…

Views about abortionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Legal in all/most cases32%33%20%14%2,272
Illegal in all/most cases50%30%12%8%1,220
Don't know38%38%17%7%171
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who are…

Views about abortionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Legal in all/most cases43%10%13%4%30%2,274
Illegal in all/most cases48%9%13%7%23%1,226
Don't know46%6%12%8%27%171
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who are…

Views about abortionParentsNon-parentsSample size
Legal in all/most cases26%74%2,282
Illegal in all/most cases35%65%1,228
Don't know34%66%171
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.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say they…

Views about abortionBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Legal in all/most cases43%24%10%1%19%3%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases70%20%4%2%2%1%1,231
Don't know58%21%2%3%13%2%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say religion is…

Views about abortionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases30%30%19%20%1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases70%21%5%4%1%1,231
Don't know59%16%9%12%3%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who attend religious services…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases17%38%45%< 1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases50%31%18%< 1%1,231
Don't know38%27%34%1%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who pray…

Views about abortionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases39%14%8%39%< 1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases69%13%5%12%1%1,231
Don't know58%11%8%20%3%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who attend prayer group…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases11%7%8%74%< 1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases35%14%9%41%< 1%1,231
Don't know32%6%4%51%6%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who meditate…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases34%11%5%49%1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases50%8%3%36%2%1,231
Don't know47%6%3%37%6%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases50%17%12%20%1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases68%13%8%11%1%1,231
Don't know64%8%7%18%3%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases46%17%16%20%1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases49%13%13%24%2%1,231
Don't know49%11%10%22%7%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Views about abortionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases14%18%52%13%3%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases50%7%31%10%2%1,231
Don't know36%11%33%10%10%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say…

Views about abortionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases23%75%1%1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases38%58%2%2%1,231
Don't know26%60%6%8%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who read scripture…

Views about abortionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases17%8%10%65%< 1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases49%13%6%31%1%1,231
Don't know35%7%8%46%4%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say the holy scripture is…

Views about abortionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases14%20%1%57%8%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases45%29%3%17%6%1,231
Don't know23%16%11%27%23%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who …in heaven

Views about abortionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases54%38%8%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases81%12%7%1,231
Don't know63%24%13%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who …in hell

Views about abortionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases40%53%7%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases68%24%8%1,231
Don't know42%35%23%178
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.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who identify as…

Views about abortionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Legal in all/most cases25%16%59%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases39%25%36%1,231
Don't know23%37%40%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who are…

Views about abortionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases21%38%37%4%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases44%30%18%7%1,231
Don't know35%23%25%17%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who would rather have…

Views about abortionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases43%49%4%4%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases45%50%3%2%1,231
Don't know44%39%10%7%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say government aid to the poor…

Views about abortionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases33%62%4%1%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases46%48%3%3%1,231
Don't know40%45%7%9%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say homosexuality…

Views about abortionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases84%11%2%2%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases46%44%5%5%1,231
Don't know55%28%7%10%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who …same-sex marriage

Views about abortionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases79%16%4%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases37%56%7%1,231
Don't know42%33%25%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say…

Views about abortionStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases28%67%2%2%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases44%49%3%5%1,231
Don't know30%55%4%11%178
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 adults in California by views about abortion

% of adults in California who say humans…

Views about abortionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Legal in all/most cases54%20%5%18%3%2,288
Illegal in all/most cases21%25%3%46%5%1,231
Don't know29%18%7%30%16%178
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.