Vast Majority of Americans Support Access To Birth Control, New Poll Finds
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In spite of recent discussions about whether birth control should be covered by insurance or even legal (see related story), a new poll shows that most Americans haven't changed their views, seeing it as a normal part of life.
The poll by Quinnipiac University finds that 82 percent of Americans support the use of birth control. Just 12 percent think it's wrong.
Seventy-one percent say it should be covered by health insurance, and though they were split about whether religious employers should be required to provide that coverage, they overwhelmingly support President Obama's compromise on the matter.
Quinnipiac spokesman Peter Brown says the media focus on politicians who oppose birth control may mask the fact that most Americans have settled the question.
"A very large majority of Americans think birth control is part of the way Americans live their lives," he notes.
Brown also says that recent efforts to discredit and defund Planned Parenthood represent a minority view.
"Planned Parenthood has a very positive image with American voters," he says. "Although this is a very partisanly divided country, not on Planned Parenthood. There's pretty solid support for Planned Parenthood."
Brown says the poll also shows support for women in combat.
