Welcome to NAVIGATOR – a project designed to better understand the American public’s views on issues of the day and help advocates, elected officials, and other interested parties understand the language, imagery, and messaging needed to make and win key policy arguments.
Methodology
On April 27, 2023, GBAO conducted three focus groups online with swing women across various demographics – age, education, and race.
Key takeaways
- Few see much going well in the country today – including the status of abortion rights.
- Nearly a year out from Dobbs, trust in the Supreme Court has weakened considerably.
- There is mixed awareness about the parties’ abortion stances.
- Yet many say the issue of abortion will drive their vote.
Few See Things as Going Well
Abortion Is One of Many Top-of-Mind Issues
Many See the Debate as Over “Control” of Women
The Supreme Court’s Position Is Greatly Weakened
Participants Divided as to Whether The Decision Was Surprising
Many Worry About Decisions Around LGBTQ Rights, Birth Control, and Interracial Marriage
Not All Abortion Rights Supporters Are Following the News Closely
Some Confusion About the Parties’ Abortion Stances
However, the Republican Stance Described as a Ban by Most
Awareness of What Is Happening at the State Level Is Mostly Thin
Mixed Awareness of Early Medication Abortion, Yet It Is Widely Supported
Some Resigned to Going to Another State, Sneaking Around, or Redefining Abortion
For Many, Abortion Will Be a Top Vote Driver, Emblematic of a Candidate’s Values
Most Feel Pessimistic About the Future of Abortion Rights
About The Study
GBAO conducted three online focus groups on April 27, 2023 with swing Democratic, Republican, and Independent women who support abortion in three states – Ohio, North Carolina, and Michigan. Some quotes have been lightly edited for brevity. Qualitative results are not statistically projectable.