Where Latino Voters Stand On Abortion, According To New Survey

Debate over whether Latinos hold conservative views on abortion or not has been a point of contention for years. A new study, however, has found that Latino voters are “largely supportive” of women’s legal ability to have abortions. 

The study, commissioned by The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and conducted by the PerryUndem Research/Communication, surveyed 1,011 registered Latino and Latina voters on the topic of abortion.

Here are a few key takeaways from the survey, which was released Monday:

• 82 percent of Latino voters believe women should make their own decisions when it comes to abortion.
• 69 percent agree that, despite some church leaders’ anti-abortion views, abortions should remain legal. 
• 62 percent weren’t aware there are legal battles underway that could possibly restrict abortion access. 

The data comes just ahead of an important judicial crossroads for abortion laws. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Wednesday for Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, a case originally filed in Texas which argues the constitutionality of the state’s HB2 law.

“I think what this poll shows is what we’ve known all along, which is that Latinos are actually overwhelmingly supportive of women decision making and don’t want to see politicians interfering with a woman’s ability to get abortion care,” Jessica González-Rojas, executive director for the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, told NBC News.

The Supreme Court justices’ decision on the case could possibly weaken its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling and limit abortion access in the state by allowing the closure of clinics that offer reproductive healthcare. And a ruling in favor of closing clinics in Texas would disproportionately affect the Latino community. The Center for Reproductive Rights says around 2.5 million Latinas in the state of Texas who are of reproductive age would be impacted.

González-Rojas wrote in an MSNBC op-ed last week, “The women affected by this law come from all backgrounds, but there is no question that Latinas are feeling some of the worst effects.”