Italy: Public Approval on Abortion Legalization, by year
YearShare of population,
in %
202370
202273
202177
202070
201973
201873
201771
201674
201574
201473
  • Region: Italy
  • Time period: 2014 to 2023
  • Published: Aug 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 10, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Trend in Favorability Towards Abortion Legalization

The share of the population in favor of the legalization of abortion in Italy experienced a slight decline over the last three years, dropping from 77% in 2021 to 70% in 2023. This decrease suggests a shift in public opinion, potentially influenced by societal, political, or cultural changes within this period.

Stability in Public Opinion Over a Decade

Despite yearly fluctuations, the overall favorability towards abortion legalization has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with a lowest recorded percentage of 70% favorability in both 2020 and 2023, and a peak at 77% in 2021. This indicates a strong baseline support for abortion rights among Italians.

Period of Increased Support

Between 2016 and 2021, there was a noticeable period of increased support for abortion legalization, with favorability percentages consistently above 70%. The peak of 77% in 2021 represents the highest level of support during this timeframe, highlighting a period where advocacy or societal conditions might have been particularly conducive to pro-abortion sentiments.

Frequent Fluctuations in Public Opinion

The data reveals frequent fluctuations in public opinion regarding abortion legalization, with annual changes in support levels. Notably, there was a 3% decrease from 2019 to 2020, followed by a 7% increase from 2020 to 2021, and then a gradual decline to 2023. These fluctuations might reflect the impact of specific events, policy debates, or changes in public discourse.

Comparative Analysis of Support Levels

When comparing the support levels at the beginning and end of the dataset, there is a 3% decrease in the share of the population in favor of legalization, from 73% in 2014 to 70% in 2023. This slight decline over a decade suggests a relatively stable, yet slightly eroding support for abortion legalization among the Italian population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has been the change in the approval rate for the legalization of abortion in Italy in the last three years?

There was a decline from 77% in 2021 to 70% in 2023 in the approval rate for the legalization of abortion in Italy.

What has been the lowest level of support for abortion rights over the past decade?

The lowest level of support for abortion rights over the past decade has been 70%.

What was the highest level of support for abortion legalization in recent years?

The highest level of support for abortion legalization between 2016 and 2021 was 77% in 2021.

Terms and Definitions

Abortion is a medical or surgical procedure performed to terminate a pregnancy. The termination involves the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus. The procedure is often conducted by trained healthcare professionals, following a woman's choice or for health reasons.

Legalization refers to the process of making something that was previously illegal, legal and permissible within the confines of the law. This is usually done through legislative changes which can be driven by shifted public opinion, new research findings or changing social dynamics.

Public opinion refers to the collection of viewpoints or beliefs that the general population, or a specific segment of the population, holds about a particular issue or set of issues. In this context, it refers to the overall sentiment of Italian residents towards the legalization of abortion.

Residents refers to individuals who reside in a particular place for a significant amount of time. In the context of the article, residents would mean people living in Italy, irrespective of their citizenship status.

Support, in this context, refers to the act of endorsing or agreeing with a specific proposition or policy. It denotes the agreement with the legalization of abortion among the residents of Italy.

Pro-choice is a term used to describe individuals or groups who believe that women should have the autonomy to choose whether or not to go through with a pregnancy. They support the availability of safe and legal abortion services.

Pro-life is a term used to describe individuals or groups who believe that human life begins at conception and that embryos and fetuses should be given the same fundamental right to life as fully formed human beings. This group generally opposes abortion and its legalization.
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