Nine in 10 UK voters across parties support right to abortion, poll finds

New polling has found that whatever their party political leanings, an overwhelming majority of people support the right to access an abortion – although young people, in particular, fear reproductive rights may be reduced.

The YouGov polling, commissioned by MSI Reproductive Choices to mark its 50th anniversary, found nine in 10 people support the right to access an abortion.

This was the case with 94% of Labour voters, 91% of Conservative voters, 95% of Green voters and 86% of Reform voters, pointing to one of the clearest indicators of cross-party political consensus in the UK.

The survey also found almost one in five people think abortion access could be reduced, rising to more than a quarter of 18- to 25-year-olds. Respondents cited developments in the US and the rise of the far right as factors.

Katie, 28, moved to the UK from Nebraska soon after the US supreme court overturned Roe v Wade, removing the federal right to abortion.

Katie said: “When that decision was overturned, it fundamentally changed how I saw my future in the country. It felt like a clear signal that even deeply personal medical decisions were no longer protected. That loss of autonomy played a major role in cementing my decision to move to the UK.

“My experience here has been very different,” she added. “I feel genuinely cared for by the healthcare system in a way I never did in the United States. That sense of security and support has made a meaningful difference in my life.”

While abortion is often seen as a taboo subject, the polling found that more than two-thirds of people said they were comfortable discussing their views on abortion, rising to three-quarters among young people.

Daisy Roscoe. Photograph: MSI

Daisy Roscoe, 23, from London found out she was pregnant eight months after having a baby last year.

“I had a difficult pregnancy with my daughter,” she said. “Being pregnant is different for everyone and it’s not something you should feel obligated to go through.

“A lot of the women in my family have had abortions but I’m the first person to keep a pregnancy and have an abortion in my friend group,” she added. “I was really clear with all my friends that this was my choice. I invited the women around me to ask me questions. I was clear about what happened, the process and what happened afterwards. We feel comfortable sharing information about pregnancy so why would we not speak openly about abortion?”