American Approval of Birth Control, Gambling, and Death Penalty Hit Record Lows in Gallup Poll
A Gallup annual poll on moral issues found that American approval of birth control dropped to 83%, an all-time low since 2012, alongside record-low acceptance of gambling (57%), the death penalty (52%), and several other behaviors. The survey of 1,001 adults shows significant partisan divides, particularly on abortion (73% of Democrats vs. 18% of Republicans approve) and gender identity issues (60% of Democrats vs. 5% of Republicans). These declining approval ratings reflect shifting American attitudes on moral and social issues, with notable drops among independents across multiple categories.
According to Gallup's latest annual poll on moral issues, American acceptance of birth control fell seven percentage points to 83%, marking the lowest level recorded since the pollster began tracking the issue in 2012. The survey of 1,001 adults across all 50 states and D.C. found record-low approval for five other behaviors: gambling (57%), the death penalty (52%), cloning animals (27%), medical testing on animals (45%), and changing genders (38%). Approval for having children outside of marriage also declined significantly, dropping nine points to 58%. The poll revealed substantial partisan gaps, with Democrats showing higher approval for most surveyed issues, though Republicans expressed greater support for animal testing, wearing fur, and capital punishment. Support among political independents collapsed across multiple categories, including divorce (down to 69% from 82%) and birth control (down to 79% from 90%), with independents becoming the demographic least likely to support gambling at 53% approval.
What's missing
The article does not explain potential causes for these shifts in moral acceptability beyond noting the timing of sports betting legalization. Additionally, there is limited discussion of whether these changes reflect generational differences, regional variations, or responses to specific recent events that may have influenced public opinion on these issues.
How coverage differed
Forbes presented the data straightforwardly as a factual reporting of Gallup's findings without editorial commentary. The framing emphasizes the record-low nature of these approval ratings and highlights partisan divisions, which is consistent with how major polling organizations typically report such data across the political spectrum.
What different sources said
- ForbesCenter
American Support For Certain Issues—Birth Control, Gambling, Death Penalty—Hit Record Lows
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