UW Study Finds Differing Views on Abortion Rights and Guns

A new study from the University of Wyoming reveals a wide range of opinions among Wyoming residents on abortion rights, reflecting differing views across the state.

The poll shows 11 percent of Wyomingites believe abortion should never be allowed. Meanwhile, 31 percent support allowing abortion only in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is at risk, underscoring a conditional approach to the issue.

Additionally, 30 percent think abortion should be allowed provided the necessity is clearly established, beyond rape, incest, and endangering the mother. This perspective suggests a more situational approach that emphasizes careful consideration of circumstances.

In contrast, 39 percent of respondents support the belief that women should always have the right to access abortion based on their personal choice.

The statewide survey was conducted from September 24 to October. 739 responses were received from 27 randomly selected Wyoming residents. The margin of error for the distribution of responses to any survey question is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. Men and women from all age groups and all counties in Wyoming are proportionally represented in the survey data. Final survey data is weighted to reflect the actual population distribution in Wyoming by gender, age, county of residence, party affiliation, and education.

The most common answer among self-identified Republicans, at 43 percent, is that abortion is allowed only in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is at risk. The second most common response among Republicans, at 22 percent, is that abortion should always be allowed as a matter of personal choice.

The preferences of self-identified Democrats are much more consistent; 86 percent believe abortion should always be allowed as a matter of personal choice.

“Wyoming residents exhibit a broad range of views on abortion rights that reflect highly nuanced and personal perspectives,” says Ryan Williamson, an assistant professor of political science at the UW.

Arms Control Measures

The UW survey also sheds light on differing perspectives on gun control measures among Wyoming residents, reflecting both support and opposition to various proposals.

58 percent of Wyomingites support the idea of ​​reporting and recording firearm sales, while 28 percent oppose the measure. This shows that the majority is in favor of increased surveillance of the arms trade.

When it comes to licensing requirements, 49 percent of respondents think it is a good idea to obtain a license to purchase or possess a firearm or ammunition, while 39 percent view it negatively; This indicates disagreement about adding regulatory steps to gun ownership.

Regarding gun-free zones, 36 percent think eliminating them would be beneficial, while 43 percent disagree, highlighting debates over safety and accessibility to firearms in certain areas.

“Questions about gun control in Wyoming underscore a desire to strike a balance between safety precautions and protection of individual rights,” Williamson says.

The biennial surveys of Wyoming residents are conducted by the UW School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies in partnership with the Wyoming Research and Analysis Center. Questions focus on attitudes toward government, elected officials, prospective candidates, and contemporary policy issues. You can direct your questions regarding the survey to [email protected].

A high-level report containing the methodological outline and complete survey results is available here: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/projects/weys24/.

A random sample of all cellphones and landline phones was created for the UW study. Selected participants were contacted via email, mail, and telephone to complete the survey; 59 percent of responses were made via the web, and the remaining 41 percent were via live interviewer phone (92 percent mobile phone).

“This approach to survey methodology gives everyone in Wyoming with a phone an equal chance of being selected for the survey,” says Brian Harnisch, director of the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. “Survey respondents accurately reflect the statewide population in terms of general demographic characteristics that include age, gender, and county of residence, as well as other criteria such as party affiliation and education level.”