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.