As MSI Reproductive Choices marks its 50th anniversary, new pollingi shows strong cross-party and generational support for abortion across the UK.
- 9 in 10 UK adults (90%) think women should have the right to an abortionii with support high across every age group (88-93%) and among voters of the main political parties in the 2024 general election (86-96%)
- Nearly one in five (17%) of the public believe abortion access is likely to be rolled back in the next few years, rising to more than a quarter of 18-24 year olds (27%)iii
- Two-thirds (67%) of people say they feel comfortable talking about their views on abortioniv
24th March 2026: New polling reveals that abortion is a firmly settled and widely supported issue across the UK, but also some concern, particularly among younger people, that access may not be guaranteed in the future.
The new findings commissioned by leading abortion provider MSI Reproductive Choices for its 50th anniversary and calculated by YouGov, show that unlike many social issues, abortion does not divide generations, with support consistently strong across every age group, with 91% of 18-24-year olds, 88% of 25-49-year olds, 93% of 50-64-year olds and 90% of those aged 65 and over believing women should have the right to an abortionv.
It is also an area of cross-party political consensus in the UK, with 94% of those who Voted Labour in the 2024 general election, 91% of those who voted Conservative, 95% of those who Green and 86% of those who voted Reform, supportive of abortion rightsvi.
However, while there is overwhelming support for abortion rights in the UK, a significant minority, especially of younger people, no longer see those rights are secure.
- Nearly one in five (17%) think access to abortion is likely to be rolled back in the coming yearsvii
- Among 18–24 year olds, this rises to more than a quarter (27%)viii
Abortion becoming a more open conversation
The findings challenge the idea that abortion is a taboo subject, with two-thirds (67%) of people saying they feel comfortable talking about their views on abortion, including 72% of 25-49 year olds and 75% of 18–24 year oldsix.
49% also say they know someone who has had an abortionx, including 61% of women and 36% of menxi.
Louise McCudden, MSI Reproductive Choices’ UK head of external relations and advocacy, said:
“As MSI Reproductive Choices marks its 50th anniversary, this poll reflects the pro-choice consensus in the UK. Across generations and political divides, the vast majority of people support abortion rights.
“Over the past 50 years, we’ve seen a clear arc of progress towards greater openness and understanding, yet the loud anti-abortion minority get a disproportionate amount of attention in public debate. These findings show that anti-abortion views are far from mainstream.
“Nine in 10 people in this country are pro-choice, and one in three women has an abortion in her lifetime. At a time of global attacks on reproductive rights, most notably in the United States, we can be proud that there are MPs from all major parties who have voted to improve our Victorian abortion laws, to protect abortion clinics from harassment through Safe Access Zones, and to protect telemedicine.
“These findings remind us that people are united on abortion. Abortion has become a mainstream, openly discussed part of life. We encourage lawmakers and journalists to reflect that reality.”
Daisy Roscoe, 23, from London found out she was pregnant just eight months after having a baby. She believes it is important to discuss our reproductive choices openly so that people around you know that there is someone in their life who is supportive if they ever need or choose an abortion.
She said: “I had a difficult pregnancy with my daughter. Being pregnant is different for everyone and it’s not something you should feel obligated to go through. I called MSI to book in my appointment and they were really lovely. I felt a lot of worry having recently had a baby that there could be judgment about having an abortion so soon, but on the phone, she explained that it’s my body and my choice. When you’re in a situation where you think someone might judge you, it’s a relief when there is support there.
“A lot of the women in my family have had abortions but I’m the first person to keep a pregnancy and have an abortion in my friend group. I was really clear with all my friends that this was my choice. I invited the women around me to ask me questions. I was clear about what happened, the process and what happened afterwards.
“We feel comfortable sharing information about pregnancy so why would we not speak openly about abortion? It’s important to discuss reproductive choice openly so that people around you know that there is someone in their life who is supportive if they ever need or choose an abortion.
“I am very concerned about news coming from the US concerning reproductive rights. It’s definitely my age group where I see a lot of worry about reproductive rights and fears around US politics bleeding into the UK.
She added: “Now I’ve had an abortion with MSI, I know that you’re so supported in your decision that I don’t think there is anything to worry about the future of reproductive care here. There are so many steps that have been put into providing safe abortion and contraceptive care in this country.
“Hearing these survey results makes me feel really positive and empowered. People with negative opinions can have a louder voice. It’s great to hear there’s so much support out there. People should feel supported in their choice.”
Sharon Gaffka, 30, an activist who has spoken openly about her abortion, said:
“These findings are both reassuring and revealing. Despite how online discourse can make people feel, the reality is that the vast majority of people support the right to abortion. To see 9 in 10 people, across all ages and political backgrounds, back this right sends a clear message: people believe in bodily autonomy and in women being trusted to make decisions about their own lives.
“It’s also important to recognise the nuance behind why women have abortions in the first place. There is no single story or set of circumstances, every situation is different. Reducing the conversation to a one-size-fits-all narrative overlooks the reality of people’s lives and the complexity of the decisions they face.
“What’s striking is how different this is from how the issue is often portrayed. Public debate can amplify extreme voices and make the issue seem more divided than it really is. In reality, this is an area of broad, quiet consensus.
“It’s also understandable that younger generations feel concerned about the future. Misinformation, global events, and the visibility of more extreme viewpoints can make rights feel uncertain, even when public support is strong. That’s why open, honest conversations are so important. Sharing experiences and speaking openly helps reduce stigma and reminds people that they are not alone.
“If there’s one thing to take from these findings, it’s this: support for abortion rights is the overwhelming majority. And with that comes a responsibility to keep those rights visible, protected, and openly supported.”
Katie R, 28, moved to the UK from her home in Nebraska, America, soon after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, stripping women of the federal right to abortion.
Katie said: When that decision was overturned, it fundamentally changed how I saw my future in the country. It felt like a clear signal that even deeply personal medical decisions were no longer protected. That loss of autonomy played a major role in cementing my decision to move to the UK.
“My experience here has been very different. I feel genuinely cared for by the healthcare system in a way I never did in the United States. That sense of security and support has made a meaningful difference in my life.
“My experience with MSI Reproductive Choices showed me what compassionate care should look like. I began the process feeling nervous and ashamed, emotions that are unfortunately common due to stigma. But I left feeling like a normal person receiving necessary healthcare.”
Sophie Verstraeten, 27, lives in South London. She has been in a relationship for nearly nine years and has always known that she and her partner didn’t want children. When she found out she was pregnant the first person she messaged was her best friend.
“She was at work, but she left a meeting to check that I was okay and asked if I needed any help. She even sent me a care package for after the procedure.
“A lot of my friendship group are male. I was open with all of them about having an abortion and they were so supportive. They all responded asking if there’s anything that they can do. They knew I was supported in my relationship but there was no hesitation that they would be available if I needed them at any point too.”
She added: “I feel hopeful about the future of reproductive rights here, but it’s important to not be complacent. You still need to be aware of what’s going on in the world. Until you’re in that situation, you don’t know how you’re going to feel. There are so many unknowns. That’s why it’s important to talk about our experiences with abortion. I can’t imagine it being a part of my life that I don’t talk about. So many people have abortions so I don’t understand why we can’t talk about it like other medical procedures.
i All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.Total sample size was 2153 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 12th – 13th March 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
ii Respondents were asked: Generally speaking, do you think that women should or should not have the right to an abortion?
iii Ibid
iv Respondent were asked: Generally speaking, how comfortable or uncomfortable do you feel talking about your own views of abortion?
v Respondents were asked: Generally speaking, do you think that women should or should not have the right to an abortion?
vi Ibid
vii How likely or unlikely do you think it is that access to abortion in the UK will be rolled back in the next few years?
viii Ibid
ix Respondents were asked: Generally speaking, how comfortable or uncomfortable do you feel talking about your own views of abortion?
x Respondents were asked: Do you know anyone who has had an abortion?
xi Ibid
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
For interviews, hi-res photos, and further information please contact Kylie Harrison and Grace Dunne at [email protected] or call 07769 166 516.
About MSI Reproductive Choices
MSI Reproductive Choices is one of the UK’s leading providers of safe abortion and vasectomy. We believe that everyone should have the right to make choices about their own body and future. Team members throughout our network of more than 60 clinics and confidential helpline, provide high quality, compassionate care to women and men, when and where they need them.
