Wendy Davis recently caused a stir by describing herself as “pro-life.” Arit John finds that most Americans fall into both camps:
A 2011 study from the Public Religion Research Institute found that there’s an overlap among “pro-choice” and “pro-life.” According to the study, “Seven in ten Americans say the term “pro-choice” describes them somewhat or very well, and nearly two-thirds simultaneously say the term “pro-life” describes them somewhat or very well. This overlapping identity is present in virtually every demographic group.”
More recently, a May 2013 Gallup poll found that while 20 percent of those polled believed abortion should never be legal and 26 percent polled said it should always be legal, 52 percent were in favor of abortions being legal under certain circumstances. So while 78 percent of those surveyed believe abortions should be legal sometimes or always, 45 percent identified as pro-choice and 48 percent identified as pro-life, meaning there were pro-lifers who believe abortion should be legal at least sometimes. Davis could be vote hunting, or trying to “re-claim” the pro-life label, but she might just be acknowledging that the abortion debate isn’t black and white.
Though the full context of her quote is worth noting:
“I am pro-life,” she said, borrowing from the label anti-abortion activists assign themselves. “I care about the life of every child: every child that goes to bed hungry, every child that goes to bed without a proper education, every child that goes to bed without being able to be a part of the Texas dream, every woman and man who worry about their children’s future and their ability to provide for that future. I care about life and I have a record of fighting for people above all else.”
The Dish 