With the support of Capital for Good, HTHH directed a 3-part national polling project in 2016 that included a national tracking study, an optimized messaging study, and focus groups.

The 2016 National Survey of Registered Voters Tracking Study was a longitudinal study to compare and contrast the results from a 2013 national polling project conducted by the Winston Group, “Contraceptives and Conservatives: focusing on outcomes, finding common ground”. We used the same sampling and a shortened version of the same questionnaire.

The primary finding here was that in 2016, conservatives show a statistically significant shift indicating greater, more positive, beliefs in the correlation of contraceptives and women in developing nations and saving lives, although the rest of the populace (moderates and liberals) remained unchanged.

The 2-part Optimized Messaging Study of Political, Religious Conservatives (PRCs) surveyed over 1000 people across the nation who self-identified and qualified as PRCs per their weighted responses. Here, we examined emotionally and cognitively held beliefs and attitudes toward the language of family planning. We found that PRCs resonate best with language that is clear and understandable, such as contraceptives. Moreover, this group bases their opinion on family planning on their own morals and beliefs.

Finally, we conducted two focus groups – one male, one female – in Indianapolis, IN to which we integrated the findings to inform our policy briefing, discussion, and messaging for those on the frontlines who are working with conservatives to advocate for International Family Planning.

We are excited to release HTHH’s Policy Research Brief to the FBO community to educate and enhance awareness and advocacy efforts, particularly among political, religious conservatives in the U.S. The Executive Summary of the Policy Research Brief can be read here.