COLUMBUS – Most Ohio voters oppose a recently passed law to ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected – as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Friday.

In the poll, 52 percent of Ohio voters opposed the so-called "heartbeat bill" while 39 percent supported it. That opposition spanned gender, age and even religion.

Support for the anti-abortion legislation, which a federal judge stalled last month, was strongest among white evangelical Christians: 55 percent in support and 38 percent opposed. Among Protestants, 47 percent supported the abortion ban and 44 percent opposed it. The divide was 48 percent in support and 44 percent opposed among Catholics.

Among those who practice no religion, 69 percent opposed the ban and 23 percent supported it.

One goal of the ban is to overturn the landmark abortion decision, Roe v. Wade. But Ohioans might jeer rather than cheer if that happens.

More:Poll: Biden the only Democrat beating Trump in Ohio

About 61 percent of Ohio voters agree with the Roe v. Wade decision while 32 percent oppose it. Even Catholics, by a margin of 54 percent to 40 percent, and Protestants, 54 percent to 42 percent, said they agree with the abortion access lawsuit.

Those who disagree with Roe v. Wade: Republicans, white evangelical Christians and those attending religious services weekly.

"When it comes to the thorny political issue of abortion, Ohio voters come down on the pro-choice side, said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. "They support the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion, and by a smaller margin, they oppose the fetal heartbeat abortion ban."

But many Ohioans stopped short of saying abortion should be legal in all cases. Just 22 percent of Ohio voters supported that limitless access. Another 33 percent said it should be legal in most cases. Just 10 percent said it should be illegal in all cases.

Gun control

Ohio voters remain divided on stricter gun laws with 48 percent supporting a crackdown on firearms while 46 percent opposed it.

Those divisions could prove difficult as Gov. Mike DeWine mulls legislation on a red flag law. These types of laws permit police or relatives to petition a court to remove guns from people deemed dangerous.

Ohio lawmakers are also considering a bill to eliminate training and background checks on those who carry concealed guns.

The response was much more unified when asked: "do you support or oppose requiring background checks for all gun buyers?"

About 90 percent said yes, including 87 percent of gun owners, 89 percent of Republicans and 95 percent of Democrats.

That could be good news for a group working to put the topic to a vote. Ohioans for Gun Safety wants to require a federal background check for all gun sales and transfers, closing a loophole that allows purchases through private sales online and at gun shows without a background check.

Popularity contest

Among Ohio's top politicians, Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown is most popular.

About 51 percent of Ohio voters approve of the job Brown is doing, 29 opposed. For Gov. DeWine, the split was 44 percent approve and 33 percent opposed. Republican Sen. Rob Portman had a job approval rating of 43 percent support and 31 percent opposed.

The poll surveyed 1,431 Ohio voters between July 17 and 22. The margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.

More:Lawmakers ax one-page pamphlet on gun laws that delayed permitless concealed carry

More:Ohio group proposes background checks for all firearm sales

More:Federal judge blocks Ohio's 'heartbeat bill' abortion ban