Why is abortion such an issue in the USA?

[Eternal]

As one of them "foreign" people, I'm curious as to why the issue of abortion and associated matters is such a divisive subject the USA. I can understand it being divisive in largely Catholic countries but the USA is mostly protestant. Given that one could never hope to be a Republican presidential candidate unless they're opposed to abortion, and visa versa for the Democrats, is it largely a political issue that's used to galvanise a parties support base? Or are there other more deeper sociological issues at play?

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a thread about abortion, but why it is so divisive in the USA.

[The Dharma Bum]

I consider it a manufactured issue. It creates contrast.

[Stratego]

It's to give you the illusion that when you cast a vote it actually mean something. If you think about it, what difference does it make when you vote for a Democrat or a Republican? They're both going to enter a war you oppose, both going to side with big corporations while speaking out against them, and both won't do a damn thing about actual abortion policies. But every election cycle, voters get to say "oooo, this one said something I agree with, I'll vote for him."

[The Comrade]

nothing says "healthy society" like millions of unwanted and neglected children

[Philly]

[John Galt]

protestanism in the united states was a revolt to the revolt and so evangelical makes up the majority. and these seek that you be born again in jesus and take the bible as gospel truth, literally, and they will point to biblical passages about how you shouldn't kill and things like that. but i think what really riled everyone up was the destruction of federalist principles with the sweeping roe v wade decision. that galvanized people and made people go to extremes. i think it kind of woke up the evangelicals to the problem, and since then it's become more and more polarizing. one of the worst decisions by a court ever

[exploited]

It is divisive because abortion, for the vast majority of women who get one, is immoral and selfish.

[Stratego]

[Darkhorse]

[The Dharma Bum]

I think we better resign ourselves to being awful, and horrible

there's no escaping it