Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201446%46%8%19,212
200748%41%11%18,565
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by religious group

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who …in hell

Religious traditionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Buddhist28%69%3%228
Catholic57%36%8%3,463
Evangelical Protestant76%17%6%2,735
Hindu23%68%9%143
Historically Black Protestant79%14%7%1,010
Jewish16%76%7%734
Mainline Protestant53%37%10%3,816
Mormon57%37%6%171
Muslim78%14%7%131
Orthodox Christian48%38%14%102
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")20%72%7%5,823
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe, Don't believe

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who are ages…

Belief in Hell18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe22%36%28%15%7,838
Don't believe25%34%25%16%9,489
Other/don't know18%32%29%22%1,531
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who are…

Belief in HellYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Believe14%14%30%32%9%1%7,838
Don't believe16%16%27%30%10%1%9,489
Other/don't know10%13%26%35%13%2%1,531
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who are…

Belief in HellMenWomenSample size
Believe46%54%7,965
Don't believe51%49%9,648
Other/don't know47%53%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who identify as…

Belief in HellWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe60%17%4%14%4%7,899
Don't believe75%6%5%11%4%9,531
Other/don't know68%10%5%11%5%1,558
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who are…

Belief in HellImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe13%10%77%7,853
Don't believe13%13%74%9,573
Other/don't know13%12%76%1,564
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who have a household income of…

Belief in HellLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe37%21%26%16%7,072
Don't believe24%19%30%27%8,703
Other/don't know33%20%24%23%1,309
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who have completed…

Belief in HellHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe43%34%15%8%7,928
Don't believe28%30%24%18%9,611
Other/don't know34%32%18%16%1,583
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who are…

Belief in HellMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe45%8%15%6%27%7,949
Don't believe45%10%12%5%28%9,612
Other/don't know46%7%13%9%25%1,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who are…

Belief in HellParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe30%70%7,936
Don't believe24%76%9,628
Other/don't know23%77%1,590
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say they…

Belief in HellBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Believe71%23%4%< 1%1%1%7,965
Don't believe30%24%11%< 1%30%4%9,648
Other/don't know46%27%11%1%5%11%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say religion is…

Belief in HellVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe54%33%9%3%< 1%7,965
Don't believe20%26%22%31%1%9,648
Other/don't know37%31%18%12%2%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who attend religious services…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe32%42%26%< 1%7,965
Don't believe12%33%55%< 1%9,648
Other/don't know22%37%40%1%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who pray…

Belief in HellAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe58%20%7%14%< 1%7,965
Don't believe27%13%7%53%< 1%9,648
Other/don't know42%17%7%31%3%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who attend prayer group…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe21%11%10%58%< 1%7,965
Don't believe7%4%5%83%< 1%9,648
Other/don't know13%5%7%73%2%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who meditate…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe38%9%4%48%1%7,965
Don't believe32%11%6%51%1%9,648
Other/don't know37%8%6%46%3%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe57%17%11%14%1%7,965
Don't believe44%17%12%26%1%9,648
Other/don't know51%15%12%20%3%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe40%17%14%28%1%7,965
Don't believe49%17%14%20%1%9,648
Other/don't know46%16%12%22%3%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in HellReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe30%9%53%7%2%7,965
Don't believe7%19%55%17%2%9,648
Other/don't know16%14%55%9%6%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say…

Belief in HellThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe30%68%1%1%7,965
Don't believe19%79%1%< 1%9,648
Other/don't know23%74%2%1%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who read scripture…

Belief in HellAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe32%13%10%44%1%7,965
Don't believe11%7%8%74%< 1%9,648
Other/don't know21%10%9%58%2%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in HellWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Believe32%35%2%24%7%7,965
Don't believe5%14%1%74%6%9,648
Other/don't know14%19%3%45%19%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who …in heaven

Belief in HellBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe96%2%2%7,965
Don't believe32%63%5%9,648
Other/don't know43%3%54%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who identify as…

Belief in HellRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe32%17%51%7,965
Don't believe22%16%63%9,648
Other/don't know26%21%53%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who are…

Belief in HellConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe31%40%24%6%7,965
Don't believe15%37%44%4%9,648
Other/don't know22%42%26%9%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who would rather have…

Belief in HellSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe47%47%3%3%7,965
Don't believe46%47%3%3%9,648
Other/don't know44%41%7%8%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in HellDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe43%53%3%1%7,965
Don't believe31%64%3%1%9,648
Other/don't know34%56%6%4%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say homosexuality…

Belief in HellShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe70%24%3%2%7,965
Don't believe89%8%2%1%9,648
Other/don't know77%13%5%5%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who …same-sex marriage

Belief in HellStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe61%33%7%7,965
Don't believe85%11%4%9,648
Other/don't know70%19%11%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say…

Belief in HellStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe36%60%2%2%7,965
Don't believe22%74%2%2%9,648
Other/don't know28%63%5%4%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases by belief in hell

% of adults who say abortion should be legal in all or most cases who say humans…

Belief in HellEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe27%34%3%33%3%7,965
Don't believe66%16%4%12%2%9,648
Other/don't know41%22%10%18%8%1,599
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.