A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals the complexity of Hispanic Americans' views on important issues such as abortion, immigration, and the 2024 presidential election.

Traditionally portrayed as socially conservative, Hispanic Americans show a significant shift in their positions on abortion, with the majority advocating legality in all or most cases, regardless of their religious affiliations. This contrasts with the widely held idea that Hispanic Americans are heavily influenced by their religious beliefs on issues like this.

The poll, conducted between September 12 and 16, 2024, highlights that both Hispanic Catholics and Protestants have similar views on abortion and immigration, with a majority supporting the right to legal abortion and advocating for a federal law that guarantees this access. Compared to other religious groups in the U.S., the main difference is in white evangelicals, among whom a minority supports abortion rights.

In addition, the poll shows that abortion has become a major issue for Hispanic voters, although other issues, such as the economy, health, crime and immigration, also play a central role in deciding whether to vote. Roughly half of Hispanic Americans see immigration as an important issue, and many support the involvement of faith-based groups in supporting immigrants living undocumented in the country.

On the electoral scene, Hispanic Americans are divided in their assessments of presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Harris has moderate support among Hispanic Catholics and Protestants, while Trump receives similar support, especially among Protestants. The political dispute between the two reflects marked differences in their positions on immigration and abortion. Harris is a strong supporter of reproductive rights, while Trump is proud of his influence on the Supreme Court, which resulted in the overturning of the "Roe v. Wade" decision.

Other points highlighted include the similarity in church attendance patterns between Hispanic Catholics and Protestants and the use of a language other than English at home, which is more prevalent among Catholics. In addition, a significant portion of Hispanic Catholics express a favorable view of Pope Francis, in contrast to Hispanic Protestants.

On the presence of Hispanic American candidates in the Senate elections and the Democratic Party's position on abortion, it may, according to some leaders, alienate more conservative Hispanic American voters in relation to late-term abortions, the publication reports. In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the construction of a state-funded abortion clinic, reinforcing the commitment to reproductive freedom.

In short, the survey underscores the diversity and complexity of Hispanic Americans' political and social opinions, challenging stereotypes and showing how their positions evolve in the face of changes in the political landscape.