The panel event will start by placing current debates in a historical context by exploring trends in attitudes towards abortion. The discussion will then shift to recent polling about the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, how Americans feel about the so-called trigger laws that had been enacted in several states, and whether more recent efforts by some states to restrict access to abortions reflect public opinion, and more.

We’ll wrap up by examining the potential role that abortion may place as a voting issue and motivator in the the upcoming Midterm Elections. Throughout the discussion, our panelists will also highlight the methodological challenges of asking questions about abortion and what they have been doing in their recent surveys to overcome these challenges.

The panel of experts includes:

Barbara Carvalho - Director, Marist Poll

Barbara will highlight recent Marist Poll findings related to abortion and the Supreme Court decision, and discuss whether abortion is poised to be a bigger voting issue in the upcoming midterm elections than ever before.

Ashley Kirzinger - Director, Survey Methodology; Associate Director, Public Opinion and Survey Research, Kaiser Family Foundation

Ashely oversees survey methodology for KFF and helps direct the foundation’s work on various health policy issues including reproductive rights.

Lydia Saad - Director of U.S. Social Research, Gallup

Lydia oversees the content of U.S. Gallup Poll surveys and writes extensively on the most pressing issues facing the country. Gallup’s extensive tracking of abortion attitudes over time will set the stage for the night’s discussion.

This event will kick off the 2022-2023 NYAAPOR schedule and will be moderated by NYAAPOR Chapter President, Greg Holyk.