Abortion, Attitudes and Appointments: How Gender and Reproductive Rights Shaped Views on Amy Coney Barrett and Voter Turnout in 2020

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the causes and consequences of public attitudes toward the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. Drawing on survey data from the Public Policy Institute of California, we pose two central questions. First, what were the key factors shaping support or opposition to Barrett’s confirmation? Second, how did the nomination affect voter engagement in the 2020 Election? In addition to the expected factor of partisanship, we uncover two striking elements that shape attitudes toward Barrett’s confirmation – gender and attitude toward overturning Roe v. Wade. We further find that among women, concerns over the demise of Roe v. Wade spurred voter turnout in 2020. Our findings shed light on the political psychology of attitudes toward the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett, the ramifications of these attitudes for voter engagement, and broader implications for the Supreme Court’s legitimacy in light of this politicized nomination.