This new finding “means we are within a single-digit striking distance of a victory,” Hadro said. “We are more determined than ever as opposition to late-term abortion gains momentum.”
Both Rasmussen surveys found that fewer than 15% of California voters believe abortion should be legal at any time during pregnancy up to the moment of birth. Proposition 1 would guarantee the right to abort a baby at any point in a pregnancy, according to the No on Proposition 1 campaign.
“Proposition 1 authors have openly admitted that viability language was left out of Proposition 1 ‘on purpose,’ allowing extreme late-term abortions in California at seven, eight, even a full nine months of pregnancy for any reason and fully at taxpayer expense, including for residents of other states,” Hadro said. “We are seeing both in person and in the polls that voters reject what Proposition 1 would allow in California.”
Hadro also pointed to a recent NBC affiliate KGET survey that found 72% of California viewers think Proposition 1 would go too far in expanding abortion.
“Right now, we are seeing our momentum build and our coalition continue to grow,” she said. “The more that Californians learn that Proposition 1 would bring late-term abortion to the state, the more they reject it. We’re on a mission to educate as many Californians as possible ahead of Election Day because we know they do not support late-term abortion.”
California currently allows abortion for any reason before viability, when a baby can survive outside the womb — generally considered to begin around 24 weeks of pregnancy. After viability, California allows abortion when a woman’s life or health is threatened.
The Yes on Prop 1 campaign, a campaign for the amendment led by pro-abortion groups, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Michigan: Proposal 3
Michigan’s proposed constitutional amendment, Proposal 3, promises to advance abortion in that state. On the ballot, the amendment is identified as a “proposal to amend the state constitution to establish new individual right to reproductive freedom, including right to make all decisions about pregnancy and abortion; allow state to regulate abortion in some cases; and forbid prosecution of individuals exercising established right.”
Polling in Michigan finds a majority support the measure.
“Polls have found the citizen-initiated measure leading, and its presence on the ballot may help bolster Democrats at the top of the ballot,” Jacobson at Sabato’s Crystal Ball predicted.
(Story continues below)
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According to a WDIV/Detroit News poll of likely Michigan voters conducted at the end of September, a majority — 61.6% — said they would support the proposal. That support is dropping closer to election day. In October, another WDIV/DetroitDetriot News poll found support decreased, with 55% of Michigan voters saying that they support Proposal 3.
A poll in September, commissioned by the Detroit Free Press, found 64% plan to vote for the ballot measure, while an Emerson College Polling survey of Michigan voters conducted in October found that 52% plan to vote yes on Michigan Proposal 3.
The Citizens to Support MI Women and Children coalition, which is warning voters against the proposal, is focused on educating voters about Proposal 3.
“As voters learn about the confusing and extreme nature of Proposal 3, they overwhelmingly oppose it,” Christen Pollo, the spokeswoman for the coalition, told CNA. “As we go engage in voter contact, we continue to find that people of all political persuasions are concerned about the dangers Proposal 3 poses to the women and children in Michigan. Specifically the fact that it repeals parental-consent laws for children seeking abortion or gender hormone therapies.”
She anticipated a pro-life win.
“Women, children, and parents deserve better than what Proposal 3 is offering us,” she added. “We are confident that Michigan voters will turn out to defeat this extreme proposal with a resounding no vote on election day.”