| Abstract: | Attitudes toward abortion are analyzed, through a factorial design, as a function of religion at age 16, spouse's religion, and current religion. In regard to the Catholic norm against abortion, the main effect of current Catholicism and the interaction of that and spouse's religion are significant. Among White Catholics, a Catholic spouse increases opposition to abortion, but among non-Catholics, increases acceptance. Converts tend to accept the Catholic norm, but only if they have a non-Catholic spouse. The attitude of ex-Catholics closely follows current affiliation. Catholic turned Baptist or Fundamentalist oppose abortion more than even steadfast Catholics. Links with Judaism (being Jewish at age 16, married to a Jew, or Jewish currently) increase acceptance of legalized abortion. A significant interaction between the first two factors also appears. |
