Survey Reveals 72% Support To Legal Abortion, But Only 29% Back Women As Primary Decision-Makers

New Delhi, Sep 5, 2024: Seventy-two per cent Indians support legal abortion, but only 29% back women as primary decision-makers, revealed a new study.

Ipas Development Foundation (IDF), a not-for-profit organisation working towards sexual and reproductive rights for women in India, conducted a first-of-its-kind nationwide survey to explore people's opinions on the right to abortion. The survey aimed to get a more nuanced understanding of public opinion on abortion in India and revealed significant variations in abortion attitudes, and comfort levels across demographics in India. 

Only one-third of the respondents are opposed to abortion, and 11% remain uncertain about it. Notably, support for abortion for unmarried women is comparatively lower (62%), amongst which young adults and men showcase lesser support than women. The study revealed that 72% of respondents are in favour, however, only 29% of respondents believe women should be the primary decision-makers for having an abortion. This highlights a rather complex landscape of public opinion.

Vinoj Manning, CEO, IDF, said, “Abortion has been legal in India for more than 50 years, and while many studies have assessed knowledge there aren’t many that have tried to go beyond legality and uncover perspectives and opinions on this highly sensitive topic. Our research, a first of its kind and our first step in that direction, underscores a crucial shift in abortion in our country. It highlights support, it highlights confusion as well but most importantly it brings out the imperative to dismantle social barriers, normalize the stigma surrounding abortion, and overcome patriarchal constraints that continue to impede women's access to their bodily rights, despite legal availability. We, as a society, need to recognize reproductive rights and promote justice.”

In discussions around abortions, 70% of people feel comfortable talking about the topic with friends, and 65% are comfortable discussing it with family. Additionally, the data indicated a strong correlation between education and acceptance of abortion rights, with higher levels of education being linked to greater support. Further, open communication is linked to more liberal views on abortion.

The survey gathered a total of 13,255 responses, with 51% collected online and the remaining 49% via paper-based questionnaires. The respondents were from a diverse age group, ranging from 18 to over 46 years old, with 75% living in rural areas. IDF emphasizes the need for further in-depth research to better understand public opinions and to develop effective strategies tailored to different demographic groups. Special efforts are needed to educate the public, particularly those with limited formal education, by addressing specific concerns of young adults, involving men in discussions, and implementing region-specific outreach initiatives.