FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
May 6, 2022
Contact: Lonnie Scott, lonnie@progressmichigan.org
New Poll: Michiganders Believe in Reproductive Freedom
Yet again, polling indicates widespread support for abortion access
MICHIGAN – On Friday, Progress Michigan released the latest edition of Lake Effect, a monthly research newsletter that tracks public opinion about a variety of issues and political figures in Michigan. This month’s poll, which was conducted before the leak of a draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, reveals that a strong majority of those polled either strongly or somewhat support the Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiative, which would protect abortion access at the state level.
“No matter how much disinformation Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion extremists spread, Michigan voters stand firmly on the side of reproductive freedom,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Whatever the courts decide, Michigan can and should remain a place where people are empowered to make their own decisions about their reproductive health. Abortion access is a crucial part of that, and Michiganders will continue to fight for that fundamental human right.
“Meanwhile, Michiganders are not falling for GOP propaganda about educating our kids about systemic racism—an overwhelming majority of respondents support teaching the truth about racism in America’s past and present. Voters also seem skeptical about the DeVos-backed ‘Let MI Kids Learn’ initiative, but support efforts to raise the minimum wage and expand voting rights.
Full results of the poll are available here. Some key takeaways include:
- 57 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat support the Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiative, while just 34 percent strongly or somewhat oppose it.
- 59 percent of those polled strongly or somewhat agree that reforms are necessary to hold police accountable and protect Black Michiganders.
- 88 percent of respondents believe kids should be taught an accurate history of slavery in the United States. 62 percent believe children should be taught about systemic racism.
- 62 percent of those polled strongly or somewhat support the Promote the Vote ballot initiative, compared to 27 percent who strongly or somewhat oppose the effort.
- 62 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat support the Raise the Wage ballot initiative, while 30 percent strongly or somewhat oppose it.
- Just 31 percent of those polled strongly or somewhat support the “Let MI Kids Learn” ballot initiative. 49 percent strongly or somewhat oppose the effort.
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