CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll #1, January 1998

This poll, conducted January 10-12, 1998, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Views were sought on President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, the United States Congress, and the most serious problems facing the nation, especially those facing women. Marking the 25th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court ruling Roe vs. Wade, questions were asked regarding the availability of abortion services, differences between first, second, and third trimester abortions, fetus viability, 24-hour waiting periods, parental consent for those under 18, and whether respondents supported a constitutional amendment making abortion legal. Views were sought on Democratic and Republican party's stances on abortion and a recent proposal by the Republican party to cut off campaign funds to candidates who would not support the partial-birth abortion ban. Additional questions covered the feelings of women who have had abortions, abortion as a form of birth control, partial-birth abortions, a prescription drug alternative to surgical abortion known as RU-486, prescription drugs to prevent egg fertilization, also know as emergency contraception or the morning after pill, and whether respondents knew anyone who had an abortion. Respondents were also asked about the pending sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones against then-Arkansas governor Bill Clinton. Demographic information includes sex, age, race, education level, political party affiliation, political orientation, household income, marital status, employment status, voter registration and participation history, religious preference, frequency of religious attendance, the presence of children under the age of 18 in the household, and whether any children were in the tenth grade.