Nearly eight in ten Americans support tighter laws around abortion, according to a new poll.
It also found that a clear majority (62 per cent) of those who identify as pro-abortion also agreed with tighter restrictions.
Several pro-life groups have responded by calling for action to be taken by the US government.
Not allowed
Results found that 23 per cent thought abortion should never be allowed or only to save the life of the mother.
A further 30 per cent of adults surveyed think abortion should only be allowed “in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother”.
The poll surveyed 1,009 US adults between 5-12 July and was carried out by The Marist Institute for Public Opinion, commissioned by the Knights of Columbus.
The majority of participants (51 per cent) took a pro-abortion position.
Consensus
Carl Anderson, CEO of the Knights of Columbus, said: “The American people have spoken clearly on their desire for abortion restrictions, less taxpayer funding of it, and common sense regulations on this industry to protect women’s health.
“Our courts, politicians, candidates and parties should heed this consensus.”
The poll found 39 per cent of those who said they were pro-abortion thought that abortion should be restricted to the first three months of pregnancy, with a further 23 per cent wanting additional restrictions.
Overwhelming support
The poll also found a majority (56 per cent) do not believe that health care providers should be forced to perform abortions against their conscience or religious beliefs.
Our courts, politicians, candidates and parties should heed this consensus
This included 41 per cent of those who identified as pro-abortion.
An overwhelming 70 per cent are in favour of requiring doctors at abortion clinics to have “admitting privileges to a hospital or emergency room within 30 miles of the clinic”.
Supreme Court
Earlier this summer, the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law because it led to a dramatic reduction in abortion facilities in the state.
Supreme Court judges voted 5 to 3 to overturn the law, which required abortionists to be endorsed by a nearby hospital and abortion facilities to meet the same health standards as hospitals.
Abortion advocates were angered by the closure of around 20 practices in Texas – half of all clinics in the state.