Most Hispanic Americans—Catholic and Protestant—Support Abortion: Poll

Hispanic Americans are generally considered by political analysts to be socially conservative.
However, a new survey reveals that a significant majority of them, whether Catholic, Protestant or religiously unaffiliated, support legal access to abortion in most or all cases.
The findings, by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, are particularly relevant as the Nov. 5 election approaches, with Vice President Kamala Harris standing firmly on the side of abortion rights, while her Republican counterpart, former President Donald Trump, often referring to his Supreme Court appointments that helped overturn Roe v. Wade.
The poll, conducted from Sept. 12 to 16, found that around 40 percent of Hispanic Americans identify as Catholic, around one-third as Protestant or ‘other Christian,’ and roughly 25 percent as religiously unaffiliated.
Notably, around 60 percent of Hispanic Protestants and two-thirds of Hispanic Catholics believe that abortion should be legal in most or all circumstances.
The results align closely with other major religious demographics in the U.S., except for white evangelical Protestants, where only around 25 percent support legal abortion.
Despite the Catholic Church’s strong opposition to abortion, a majority of U.S. Catholics across various demographics back abortion rights.
Ali Valenzuela, a professor at American University who specializes in Latino politics, He attributed the shift in viewpoints to “the changed political reality” after the Supreme Court’s 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, which put abortion access at risk in many states.
The poll also revealed that around 40 percent of Hispanic Protestant and Catholic registered voters consider abortion policy to be a pivotal issue for their votes in November, alongside the economy, health care, crime, and immigration.
Lorraine Martinez, a 68-year-old former schoolteacher from California, shared her perspective shaped by her Catholic upbringing. Although she no longer regularly attends church, she advocates for immigration reform and opposes mass deportations and family separations.
“Women should have the right to make decisions about their reproductive health,” she said, supporting access to abortion and other health services.
However, Pam Butcher, a 54-year-old Trump supporter from West Virginia, expressed strong pro-life convictions. “To me, it’s murder,” she said, acknowledging exceptions only in life-threatening situations.
More generally, studies reveal that Hispanic Americans have mixed feelings toward both presidential candidates. About 40 percent of Hispanic Protestants and half Hispanic Catholics view Harris favorably, while Trump receives similar approval ratings from both groups.
The issue of immigration remains pivotal for many Hispanic voters, with approximately half citing it as a key concern. Around 60 percent believe religious organizations should assist undocumented immigrants, aligning with broader American sentiments.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press