Poll: Most Americans support transparency about abortion complications

(Daily Signal) A new poll revealed that most Americans agree on certain abortion policies.

The abortion-related nationwide poll was commissioned from June 3-6 by The American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, an almost 50-year-old association with at least 7,000 members. The poll surveyed 1,600 registered voters.

Here are three main takeaways from the poll results:

1. Transparency about post-abortion complications is necessary.

Seventy-nine percent of participants agreed data collection is important for women to understand the risks of abortion. Seven out of 10 pro-abortion voters agreed for women to understand the risks of abortion, accurate statistics of post-abortion complications are necessary. According to the Guttmacher Institute, only 28 states are required to report on post-abortion complications.

“We know in the U.S. our data collection is really appalling. Not even every state has to report their abortions, much less their complications,” Dr. Christina Francis, member of the board of the American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said.

“Yet, patients are being told these are safe procedures, that medication abortions are safe and effective,” Francis said. “They’re being told abortion is safer than childbirth, but this is all based on really inadequate data.”

1. Consensus for “commonsense provisions” for women seeking abortions.

“Seventy-three percent of respondents agree that ‘commonsense provisions are needed’ when patients seek abortions—examples given included in-person consultations and parental consent for minors,” according to the poll.

“For women to truly understand what is happening inside their body when they are pregnant, part of that would be discussing those fetal development milestones,” Francis said.

READ: First trimester babies aren’t blobs of tissue — they’re amazingly complex

Fetal development milestones include unique DNA blueprint at moment of conception, a fetal heartbeat at six weeks, and eye movement, fingernails, and sucking their thumb at 12 weeks. In-person consultations and screenings would allow for the physician to check for ectopic pregnancy and provide education on post-abortion risks

1. Abortion providers should meet the same standards of health care as any other medical provider. 

“For so long we have heard abortion is health care,” says Francis. “Well, then it needs to be treated as such.”

More than 80% of poll participants across party lines agreed.

These standards would include requirements such as routine clinic inspections, hospital admitting privileges for patients, informed consent, and ultrasounds.

The American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists disclosed findings this month in a memo sent out to its members following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Editor’s Note: This article was published at the Daily Signal and is reprinted here with permission.

“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!