Editorial

As we mark the 29th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion on Jan. 21, we can continue to point to signs of hope, especially in the state of Wisconsin.

More oppose abortion. More Wisconsin residents oppose abortion in most circumstances, according to a recent statewide telephone survey of 500 adults age 18 and above. The survey was conducted in October of 2001 by the national polling firm, Wirthlin Worldwide.

Wirthlin has been conducting surveys on the abortion issue in our state since 1991. Wisconsin Right to Life, which has commissioned these polls, reports that there has been a "significant increase in the percentage of residents across the state who say they personally oppose abortion except in the most extreme circumstances."

In 1993, for example, 53 percent of adults surveyed said they personally opposed abortion. In the most recent survey in 2001, that number increased to 67 percent. That means two-thirds of Wisconsin adults statewide say they oppose abortion except in the most extreme cases.

This is encouraging news. Increased education about abortion and alternatives in our families, schools, churches, and communities has helped contribute to this dramatic change in attitudes. Wisconsin Right to Life believes its own communication efforts -- especially its media messages sponsored by the Veritas Society -- have also helped turn the tide.

Other signs of hope. The Wirthlin poll also found other signs of hope. The survey reported that Wisconsin residents overwhelmingly oppose the government giving state tax dollars to organizations that perform abortions or promote the use of abortion. Seventy percent of state residents oppose giving tax dollars to pro-abortion groups.

The survey also showed that more Wisconsin residents (43 percent) say they are likely to vote for candidates running for political office who are supported or endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life. And nearly one-half (49 percent) are more likely to vote against a candidate for elective office who favors abortion.

For more information on the survey results, contact the Wisconsin Right to Life state office by calling 414-778-5780 or toll free at 877-855-5007.

Continue our efforts. Despite these encouraging trends, we must continue to educate people about abortion and related pro-life issues. We must also also continue to support alternatives to abortion through crisis pregnancy counseling and adoption.

As Mother Teresa has said, "A human hand should never end a life." Let's all pray and work for an end to all abortions in our country.

Mary C. Uhler, editor