American views on abortion are less polarized than they appear

Abortion is likely one of the most contentious issues in the U.S., with seemingly no way for a civil conversation between people on either side of this divide. What might make matters even worse is that those who try to help those seeking an abortion – as in Texas – might risk being sued.

However, the issue may be even more complicated: Sociologist Tricia C. Bruce and her colleagues, who interviewed hundreds of Americans confidentially, found that Americans could be opposed to abortion and yet be willing to assist a loved one who was seeking one.

Legislation that targets “helpers” might dampen the response. But many, as Bruce writes, are willing to lend a hand, despite their opposition rooted in strongly held moral beliefs.

This week we also liked articles about the recently unearthed video footage of Prince when he was 11 years old, the poison pills companies use to fend off hostile takeovers, and some of the changes underway that could slow the pace of climate change.