Originally published on Youthradio.org, the premier source for youth generated news throughout the globe.
By: Robyn Gee
As candidates for the 2012 presidential election gear up for campaign season, a new study from the Public Religion Research Institute shows that millennials (people born in the 1980's) might throw candidates for a loop by decoupling traditionally married agenda items - specifically same sex marriage and legal abortions.
Millennials are generally liberal, non-religious, educated, and confident, according to a Pew Research study. In the past, being liberal, educated, and non-religious were indicators that you supported the legality of abortion in all or most cases. However, the study shows that millennials (18 - 29) are no more likely than the average American to support the legality of abortion.
Yet, the millennial demographic is unique in that it shows the biggest difference between supporting the availability of abortion (68%) versus the legality of abortion (60%). Hence the name of the study, "Committed to Availability; Conflicted About Morality."
All other age demographics come within one or two percentage points of agreeing on availability and legality. This seems to suggest that overall legality measures on abortion might not have universal millennial support. Meanwhile, millennials are much more likely than the average American to support legal same-sex marriage. As the study points out, the traditional "values" agenda couples these two items: same-sex marriage and abortion. But these two items are not necessarily a natural pair anymore. We may be young, but man, are we complicated.
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| Obama | Romney | |
|---|---|---|
| Electoral Votes (270 to win) |
332 | 206 |
| Obama | Romney | |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 65,899,660 | 60,932,152 |
| Percent | 51.1% | 47.2% |
| Democrats* | Republicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Current Senate | 53 | 47 |
| Seats gained or lost | +2 | -2 |
| New Total | 55 | 45 |
| Democrats | Republicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats won | 201 | 234 |
This generation is showing that they understand the issues, and actually have given thought to the problems inherent to a complex, emotional issue. I believe they are having trouble with the black and white stance. Lean to choice and you encourage abortion. Lean to non choice---and women lose basic rights, Neither situation is ideal.
The point is, they are not stupid. I think it's embarrassing that we have not come up with better, safer methods of contraception to offer them, so that they would never have to face such a horrific personal choice. But we have developed drugs that will enable their great grandfathers to make babies at will, into their 90's. Sad indeed.