Americans aren't necessarily against abortion — they just don't want to subsidize it.



A majority, 52 percent, identify as "pro-choice," according to a new poll conducted by Marist College and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. But an even larger majority, 83 percent oppose subsidizing international abortion.

The polling comes on the heels of President Trump's decision to reinstate the Mexico City policy. That executive order prohibits taxpayer dollars from funding any organization working to provide abortion abroad.

His decision to sign the policy on day one could be an indication of things to come. Hardly a social conservative at heart, Trump has a checkered record on the abortion issue. Flip-flopping since the 1990s, he's supported partial-birth abortion at times before eventually opposing Roe. v. Wade.

The move should cheer the pro-life lobby, who took a gamble on the candidate during the general election. And on Capitol Hill, Congressional Republicans are preparing to completely defund Planned Parenthood.



And according to the Marist poll, the public backs that effort. Sixty-one percent of Americans oppose using taxpayer dollars for abortions in the U.S.

Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.