Attitudes toward Parental Involvement Clauses in Minor Abortion Laws and Individual Differences in Religion, Political Affiliation, and Attribution Style Among College Students

The U.S. Supreme Court currently upholds a minor's right for abortion, albeit with limitations, such as requiring parent notification or consent. Individual differences, such as religious affiliation, can influence an individual's support for abortion and abortion laws, especially when a religion forbids women to have abortions. The current study explores the relationship between attitudes toward parental involvement clauses and individual differences among 267 college students at a western university in the United States. Findings reveal that religious affiliation, quest, and devotionalism did not predict support for any of the parental involvement clauses. The strongest predictors of support for parental involvement clauses were identifying as Republican, and making situational attributions; lack of support was predicted by those who were likely to practice their religion privately. Implications of these findings on psychology, religion, public opinion, and future policy are discussed.