Poll finds opposition to 20-week abortion ban in specific cases

{mosads}The survey sheds light on public opinion at a time when restrictions on abortion rights are on the rise around the country. In June, the House approved a 20-week abortion ban that excepted women whose lives are in danger and some victims of rape and incest.

A slew of recent polls have suggested that women tend to support 20-week abortion bans when asked a general question about the laws.

Planned Parenthood’s survey, which polled registered voters, reminded them that late-term abortions are rare. According to the Guttmacher Institute, which studies sexual health, less than 4 percent of abortions occur 16 to 20 weeks into pregnancy, and about 1.5 percent take place after 21 weeks.

“While women should not have to justify their personal medical decisions, the reality is that abortion later in pregnancy is rare and often happens under heartbreaking and tragic circumstances,” said Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards in a statement.

More than 3 in 5 of those polled affirmed that elected officials should focus on improving the economy and reducing the deficit rather than late-term abortion bans.

The survey was conducted by Hart Research Associates and has a margin of error of 3.2 percent.

—This post was updated Friday with the poll’s margin of error.