Many of the media biases we observe—in both news coverage and political rhetoric—stem from the fundamental differences in policy stances held by the major political parties. One of such key points of conflict is Abortion. Abortion remains one of the most polarizing and emotionally charged policy issues in American politics. Over the decades, it has evolved into a central point of division between the two major political parties. Understanding the Democratic stance on abortion and the Republican stance on abortion is critical for voters, educators, researchers, and policymakers aiming to grasp the broader ideological split between liberal and conservative values in the United States.
The Democratic Stance on Abortion
The Democratic policy on abortion is rooted in the belief that individuals have the right to make personal healthcare decisions without government interference. As articulated in the Democratic National Committee (DNC) platform, Democrats advocate for the protection and expansion of access to reproductive healthcare, including safe and legal abortion services.
The Democratic stance on abortion rights is unwavering in its commitment to the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which recognized a constitutional right to abortion. Even after Roe was overturned by Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022, Democrats doubled down on their support for federal protections for abortion access. President Joe Biden, in response to Dobbs, pledged to codify Roe into law to preserve reproductive freedom nationwide.
In 2020, the Democratic platform stated: “We believe unequivocally, like the majority of Americans, that every woman should be able to access high-quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion.”
Polls support this position. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in April 2024, 96% of liberal Democrats and Democratic leaners support legal abortion, as do about 76% of conservative and moderate Democrats. Conversely, 71% of conservative Republicans and Republican leaners believe abortion should be illegal in all or most cases, while 67% of moderate and liberal Republicans support legal abortion.
States like California (CA), New Mexico (NM), Minnesota (MN), and Washington (WA) have enacted protections for abortion access, aligning with the liberal stance on abortions. These states serve as examples of state policy on abortion that reflects the broader Democratic stance on abortion.
The Republican Stance on Abortion
The Republican stance on abortion is fundamentally different and stems from the belief in protecting the sanctity of life from conception. According to the Republican National Committee (RNC) platform, Republicans seek to restrict access to abortion and advocate for laws that uphold fetal rights.
Republicans celebrated the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, which reversed Roe v. Wade and returned the authority to regulate abortion to individual states. The Republican stance on abortion rights is that each state should be allowed to determine its own laws and policies, with the federal government playing a limited role.
States like Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky (KY), and Georgia have implemented some of the strictest abortion laws in the country. For example, Oklahoma’s stance on abortion bans nearly all abortions, with limited exceptions. These reflect a growing trend in conservative stance on abortion policy and a preference for state-level control over reproductive laws.
To see individual politicians’ stances on different policies, please visit the ‘Politician’s Stance Tracker.’
Political Polarization and Public Policy on Abortion in the United States
The political positions on abortion have become deeply entrenched in American political identity. The federal government stance on abortion is increasingly dictated by the makeup of Congress and the Supreme Court, while state stances on abortion vary widely. This variation has created a complex patchwork of laws that affect millions of people based on geography.
Some of the reasons abortion should be illegal, often cited by Republican lawmakers, include religious convictions, beliefs in fetal personhood, and concerns about the moral implications of terminating pregnancies. On the other hand, Democratic beliefs on abortion center on bodily autonomy, healthcare access, and gender equity.
Organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have consistently supported access to abortion care, stating that restrictions interfere with the patient-physician relationship and can endanger lives. This reflects a stark contrast between medical policy on abortion and political interpretations, especially from conservative legislatures.
A Brief History of Abortion Policy in the U.S.
The abortion policy history in the United States dates back to the 19th century when abortion was largely illegal. The situation changed dramatically in 1973 when Roe v. Wade federally protected the right to choose. However, the Dobbs decision in 2022 essentially nullified Roe, reshaping the landscape of abortion policy in the United States.
The outcome of Dobbs triggered a wave of legislation at the state level. As of 2024, 21 states have either banned or severely restricted abortion, while 17 states and the District of Columbia have legal protections for abortion access. This reflects a deep divide in state policy on abortion, with Democratic states moving to safeguard rights and Republican states enacting more restrictive measures.
Current Federal and International Policy on Abortion
The federal policy on abortion in the United States remains in flux. While Democrats advocate for federal protections, Republicans generally oppose any national mandate that supports abortion access. The military stance on abortion, for example, has become controversial, with debates surrounding whether federal funds should support service members’ access to abortion care across state lines.
Internationally, the United Nations stance on abortion varies by resolution, but it broadly supports reproductive rights as part of global human rights. The WHO policy on abortion emphasizes access to safe procedures as essential to women’s health and well-being.
What the Future Holds
The future of abortion policy in America will likely continue to evolve based on shifts in public opinion, judicial appointments, and electoral outcomes. The ongoing debate about Democratic vs Republican views on abortion underscores broader concerns about individual freedom, governmental authority, and moral values in a polarized society.
As both parties prepare for future elections, abortion will remain a litmus test issue for many voters. Understanding the different stances on abortion helps contextualize the wider ideological battle between left and right in the U.S., including broader issues like monetary policy, healthcare, and civil liberties.
To explore how each political party views other key policy topics, visit Biasly’s full list of Political Party Policy Stances.