Examining the Relationship Between Perceptions of Pregnancy and Fetal Development Timing and Support for Abortion Bans

This study examines the relationship between perceptions of pregnancy and fetal milestone timing and support for abortion bans. Using survey data collected from a representative sample of 739 US adults, we use logistic regression to predict support for six- and 15-week abortion bans. Perceptions of timing for the milestones of pregnancy awareness and fetal pain are significantly related to support for six-week abortion bans. Furthermore, this relationship is moderated by abortion identity labels (e.g. pro-life, pro-choice). Our findings suggest that, although perceptions of milestone timing may be related to abortion attitudes, the relationship is nuanced.