Exploring Tennesseans’ Generational Differences in Attitudes Toward Abortion
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
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.