Three-out-of-five Americans (61%) know someone who has had an abortion. That fact adds a sobering reality to all political discussions on this contentious issue. The issue has moved to center stage in South Dakota where Governor Mike Rounds (R) has signed sweeping legislation banning most abortions in the state.

A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 55% of Americans believe abortion is morally wrong most of the time. Just 32% disagree. Americans under 50 are a bit more likely than their elders to believe that abortion is morally wrong.

Among those who know someone who has had an abortion, most (55%) believe the procedure is morally wrong most of the time. This fact suggests that many Americans are faced with the emotional complexity of an issue that activists on both sides want to paint in simplistic, theoretical terms.

The Rasmussen Reports survey found that 47% of Americans believe it is too easy for a woman to get an abortion in the United States. Twenty-one percent (21%) say it is too hard, while 21% say the balance is about right.

Crosstabs for this survey available for Premium Members. A related story based upon a poll of South Dakota voters is also available.

Among those who believe abortion is morally wrong most of the time, 74% believe it is too easy for a woman to get an abortion.

Among those who say abortion is morally acceptable, 49% believe it is too hard for a woman to get an abortion.

The fact that a solid plurality of Americans believe it is too easy for a woman to get an abortion helps explain the strong public support for legislation mandating waiting periods before an abortion and other limitations that stop short of an outright ban on the procedure.

Nationally, just 50% of Americans have followed news stories about the legislation passed in South Dakota. Just 21% are following the issue very closely.

Crosstabs for this survey available for Premium Members. A related story based upon a poll of South Dakota voters is also available.