Exploring Tennesseans’ Generational Differences in Attitudes Toward Abortion

Additional Authors

Jordan de Jong, Department of Health Services Management & Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Dr. Candace Bright Hall-Wurst, Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Morgan Kidd, Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Rebecca Strasser, Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Dr. Kelly N. Foster, Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Abstract

Introduction Most adults in the U.S. believe abortion should be legal. Despite this, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, leading to multiple states in the U.S. banning abortion with few exceptions including Tennessee. Previous research has found that the youngest age groups [Gen Z] have more positive attitudes and acceptability toward abortion. This study explores the generational differences in attitudes toward abortion in Tennessee. Methods The study was conducted by the Applied Social Research Lab (ASRL) at East Tennessee State University from July 10th-17th, 2024. The final sample size included 701 Tennessee residents who were 18 years or older. The final data are weighted by various demographics in order to ensure that the data accurately represents the state’s population. Chi-square tests were utilized to detect significant differences between the four generations surveyed (Boomers, aged 60+; Gen X, 44-59; Millennials, 23-43; Gen Z, 18-27). Results A majority (60.8%) of respondents believed that a range of safe, effective, and affordable methods of abortion care should be available to women in their community. Specifically, Gen Z agreed more than other generations that abortion care should be available (p=<0.0001). When asked if a women should go to jail for an abortion, or if a man should go to jail for helping a pregnant person attain an abortion, Boomers disagreed more than other generations (p=0.0003; p=0.0007). Discussion These findings suggest that, in Tennessee, Gen Z and Boomers are more likely to have more supportive attitudes towards abortion care than Millennials and Gen X. While a majority of Tennesseans believe abortion should be accessible, Tennessee laws do not reflect this, as Tennessee has one of the strictest bans in the country. Future research on Boomers’ attitudes toward abortion and the influence of the era they were born may be warranted.

Start Time

16-4-2025 1:30 PM

End Time

16-4-2025 4:00 PM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Health

Student Type

Graduate Student - Masters

Faculty Mentor

Kate Beatty

Faculty Department

Health Services Management and Policy

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Apr 16th, 1:30 PM Apr 16th, 4:00 PM

Exploring Tennesseans’ Generational Differences in Attitudes Toward Abortion

Introduction Most adults in the U.S. believe abortion should be legal. Despite this, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, leading to multiple states in the U.S. banning abortion with few exceptions including Tennessee. Previous research has found that the youngest age groups [Gen Z] have more positive attitudes and acceptability toward abortion. This study explores the generational differences in attitudes toward abortion in Tennessee. Methods The study was conducted by the Applied Social Research Lab (ASRL) at East Tennessee State University from July 10th-17th, 2024. The final sample size included 701 Tennessee residents who were 18 years or older. The final data are weighted by various demographics in order to ensure that the data accurately represents the state’s population. Chi-square tests were utilized to detect significant differences between the four generations surveyed (Boomers, aged 60+; Gen X, 44-59; Millennials, 23-43; Gen Z, 18-27). Results A majority (60.8%) of respondents believed that a range of safe, effective, and affordable methods of abortion care should be available to women in their community. Specifically, Gen Z agreed more than other generations that abortion care should be available (p=<0.0001). When asked if a women should go to jail for an abortion, or if a man should go to jail for helping a pregnant person attain an abortion, Boomers disagreed more than other generations (p=0.0003; p=0.0007). Discussion These findings suggest that, in Tennessee, Gen Z and Boomers are more likely to have more supportive attitudes towards abortion care than Millennials and Gen X. While a majority of Tennesseans believe abortion should be accessible, Tennessee laws do not reflect this, as Tennessee has one of the strictest bans in the country. Future research on Boomers’ attitudes toward abortion and the influence of the era they were born may be warranted.