11.13.23 – The North Dakota News Cooperative report: “North Dakota legislators are out of sync with their voters on the state’s strict abortion law and decidedly independent on topics like property taxes and ballot measures expected to be a focal point during elections a year from now, according to results from the first North Dakota Poll (ND Poll). With abortion access becoming protected in an increasing number of states, the poll indicates legislators may get stronger pushback during upcoming elections against restrictions placed on abortion earlier this year, according to results of the poll, conducted by the North Dakota News Cooperative (NDNC). The poll found that 48 percent of North Dakotans are opposed to recent changes in the law, which bans abortions after six weeks, even in cases of rape or incest, and makes it a felony for doctors to perform abortions after six weeks. The law does allow for exceptions if the life or health of a mother is at risk. Just 38 percent support the law.
The poll shows legislators are “out of step with the people of North Dakota,” said Amy Jacobson, executive director of progressive group Prairie Action. She said an important takeaway from the polling data is the opposition from women to a restriction that mainly impacts their choices. “The majority of women want to make sure they are able to secure their freedom to control their own bodies and safely make decisions for their future,” she said. The poll also showed that 65 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 54 oppose the ban, with 56 percent of all female voters opposing it. At 61 percent, opposition was strongest among self-identified Independents, voters who make up a third of the electorate. The biggest support for the strong restrictions came from men over the age of 55, a demographic likely not fathering and raising many children.” Read more.
