As abortion looks like a key issue in 2024, voters more divided by party than ever

Democratic voters are increasingly supportive of abortion rights, and increasingly motivated by the issue, according to a new report from the Public Religion Research Institute.

The survey found that a growing number of Democrats point to abortion as a top voting issue since the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, which allowed abortion restrictions to take effect around the country.

"So the salience of abortion as an issue is really different for Democratic voters this election cycle," PRRI CEO Melissa Deckman said. "And of course, it's a direct reflection of the political landscape and the policy landscape in the wake of Dobbs."

It also found a "growing gap" between Republicans and Democrats in their views on abortion, Deckman said.