Opinions on abortion among lay Christians are as diverse as the denominations and sects within Christianity itself. Surveys and polls consistently show a wide range of beliefs, which can be influenced by factors such as cultural context, personal experiences, and theological understanding.
In countries like the United States, these beliefs often fall along denominational lines, but there are always exceptions and significant diversity within each group. Here is a general overview based on survey data:
- Roman Catholics: Despite the Catholic Church’s firm stance against abortion, surveys suggest that Catholic laypeople are divided on the issue. According to a Pew Research Center study conducted in 2019, about 51% of U.S. Catholics said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 48% said it should be illegal in all or most cases.
- Mainline Protestants: Among U.S. mainline Protestants (e.g., Episcopalians, Lutherans, and Presbyterians), the Pew Research Center found in 2019 that about 60% believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
- Evangelical Protestants: Among U.S. evangelical Protestants, about 63% said in the 2019 Pew Research Center study that abortion should be illegal in all or most cases.
- Orthodox Christians: Orthodox Christians’ views on abortion tend to be more conservative, reflecting official church teachings. However, specific survey data for this group is harder to come by, particularly in the U.S.
- Historically Black Churches: Within historically black Protestant churches in the U.S., Pew Research in 2019 reported that 55% believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
It’s important to note that within each of these groups, views can vary widely. Factors such as age, ethnicity, political affiliation, and level of religiosity can all impact an individual’s beliefs about abortion. For example, younger Christians, regardless of their specific denomination, tend to be more supportive of legal abortion than their older counterparts. Similarly, Christians who identify as politically liberal are more likely to support access to abortion than those who identify as conservative.