Across All Divides, Most Americans Now Support Contraception and Safe Sex Education

It’s a given that when Republicans and Democrats face-off, whether it is on the street, in Congress or around the water cooler at work, not much is going to be agreed upon. Take one of the top hitters, abortion, as an example. I will venture to say that very few people sit on the fence when it comes down to the abortion issue. My best friend, Sarah, for example was once president of the National Organization for Women at our college and has been vehemently pro-choice since middle school. My other great friend, Lana, on the other hand, grew up in a very strict Fundamental Christian family and is 100% anti-abortion, no ifs, and or buts about it. So, it is no surprise that abortion issues still sharply divide our country. We might even assume that on issues like sex education and contraception, our country is fairly divided; however, according to a survey sponsored by the YWCA and the National Women’s Law Center, there is actually much support from all parties to help improve our nation’s reproductive care.

The survey had approximately 1,000 voters who labeled themselves either Independent or Republican. The surprising results were that, overall, this group demonstrated to be in support of those proposals and campaigns that strive to make contraceptives, like condoms, easier to access and less expensive. What was even more striking from the survey results was the fact that those surveyed were also supportive of comprehensive sex education rather than abstinence-only programs. Comprehensive sex education urges for abstinence but also makes a point to educate on other options, like contraceptives, whereas abstinence-only programs avoid discussing condom use.
Marcia Greenberger of the National Women’s Law Center states, “Republican and Independent voters overwhelmingly support improvements in reproductive health that will make a real difference in the lives of women and their families. Voters across the political spectrum want to see action on a range of reproductive health issues – from contraceptive coverage to comprehensive sex education.” Dr. Lorraine Cole, CEO of the YWCA, adds, “The poll findings reveal that the reproductive rights debate is shifting and there are areas where real progress can be made. These survey findings, which show strong support for efforts to improve reproductive health, are particularly important as we work to overcome health disparities for women with low incomes.”
Almost 75% of the respondents also expressed their concern that the government should not be as involved with the private lives of its citizens, especially when it came down to personal issues involving pregnancy and sexual behavior. In terms of contraception, almost 75% of those surveyed feel it should be easier and more affordable for any person, regardless of income status, to get access to contraception. In addition, approximately 70% feel that birth control should be more affordable to the masses. Almost 65% of the respondents feel that the government should offer more education and general information concerning contraception while one-third of those surveyed feel the government should stay out of this issue completely.