Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyle(Getty)A new Gallup poll indicates a growing social conservatism in the U.S., with fewer Americans finding certain behaviors morally acceptable. The survey revealed record-low acceptance for birth control (83%), gambling (57%), and cloning animals (27%). Significant declines in moral acceptability were also observed for having a baby outside marriage (down to 58%) and sex between teenagers (down to 35%). This shift is seen by some as a “puritanical turn,” potentially linked to increased religiosity among young men and efforts by Trump administration officials to promote Christianity and restrict contraception. Changes in opinion are largely driven by independent voters, suggesting a potential “pendulum swinging away” from traditional liberal principles. In fullAmerica grows more socially conservative as more people say they are against having a baby outside marriageThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

About 83% of Americans believe using birth control is morally acceptable—down from 90% in 2025.

About 83% of Americans believe using birth control is morally acceptable—down from 90% in 2025.