Latinos take center stage in 2024 election
Most Hispanic people support abortion access, according to studies
Both Republicans and Democrats have targeted Latino voters in this next election, but they have taken a different approach to discussing abortion with the constituency.
Latinos, who are primarily Catholic, often face misconceptions as well as challenges when it comes to their views and experiences with abortion. Several organizations study and advocate for Latinas’ reproductive rights. Among them is the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. I spoke with Salen Andrews, a policy associate with the group.
“Access to Care has unfortunately gone from bad to worse, and abortion bans and misinformation are really contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty,” Andrews said.
Research done by the Latina Institute found that nearly 43 percent of women in its community between 15 and 49 live in the 26 states that are most likely to ban abortion. That’s the largest group of women of color who the overturning of Roe v. Wade has hurt.
Andrews said most Latinos support abortion access, even Catholics, which has an official policy from the Vatican to oppose abortion. As I’ve written, views within that religion are much more complicated than what the clergy, by and large, thinks. Essential organizations like Catholics for Choice continue to show that the laity, by and large, is pro-choice.
The Latina Institute found that 73 percent of Catholic Latinos are against abortion bans.
“What we found is that there's often a distinction between what people follow with religious doctrine and what they know is necessary in their lives,” Andrews said.
Their support for ballot initiatives thus far has shown they will be a critical bloc in passing them in the future, especially in states with a large Latino population.
“When we look at places like Ohio, we've seen Latino voters come out and support those ballot measures and reject abortion bans and attacks on their freedoms,” Andrews said.