(Oregon Right to Life) — A new poll surveying Americans nationwide found that a clear majority across the political divide still support legal limits on abortion, even though most identify themselves as “pro-choice” and the overall percentage has declined since last year. The poll also indicated that a strong majority support pro-life pregnancy resource centers and conscience rights for healthcare workers.
The 2026 Marist poll was commissioned by the Knights of Columbus and conducted January 12–13. The poll surveyed 1,408 adults across the country, finding that 57% of respondents supported limiting abortions to the first trimester and 67% supported at least some legal limits on abortion, even though 62% identified as pro-choice. The survey also found that 63% of Americans believe that the conscience rights of healthcare professionals who have religious objections to abortion should be respected.
84% of those polled said they supported pregnancy resource centers that provide life-affirming help to moms and families, and 88% agreed that laws can simultaneously protect mothers and their unborn babies.
“Despite the publicly heated debates about abortion, there remains a consensus of opinion on this issue among Americans. Americans believe abortion should be limited yet include exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother,” Dr. Barbara L. Carvalho, Director of the Marist Poll, said in a statement released by the Knights of Columbus. “Despite the changes in practice that have occurred since the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision, public opinion has remained consistent.”
Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, responded to the poll’s findings in a Thursday press statement shared via email with Oregon Right to Life.
“These findings once again demonstrate that the American people are far more pro-life than the loudest voices in Washington or the media would have us believe,” Tobias sad. “A clear majority of Americans support reasonable limits on abortion and strongly support pregnancy centers that offer women real help, not pressure.”
“The Marist poll confirms what we see every day across the country,” Tobias continued. “Americans want laws that respect life, protect women, and allow pregnancy centers to continue their vital work without discrimination or government interference. Policymakers should take note: supporting mothers and protecting unborn children is not a fringe position—it is the mainstream American view.”
The Knights of Columbus Marist poll to gauge American’s sentiments surrounding abortion and pro-life laws is conducted annually. The poll’s results consistently indicate that a majority of Americans support limitations on abortion, opposing legislative landscapes like that of Oregon in which abortion is legal throughout pregnancy, up to the moment of birth, for any reason.
This year’s results do appear to represent a decline from the previous year, however. The 2025 Knights of Columbus Marist poll found that 72% of respondents believed abortion should be restricted at six months of pregnancy or earlier.
Oregon Right to Life has and will continue to introduce and support legislation to protect the unborn in Oregon, including bills to protect babies born alive during abortions and unborn babies who can feel pain. Oregon Right to Life also continues to engage in outreach efforts to educate Oregonians about the reality of abortion and the humanity of the unborn.
