This is a study of the cultural forces that contribute to the formation of personal opinion on moral issues. What a person thinks about abortion is largely influenced by what he or she believes is the answer to the question of when life begins. What a person thinks about the death penalty is largely influenced by what he or she believes is its deterrent value, its cost-effectiveness, and its retributive value. The study reviews the histories and theories of abortion and capital punishment and examines these issues in the context of recent presidential elections. The study used data gathered from public opinion polls and personal interviews. The bulk of the study is an analysis of four groups of respondents: (1) pro-choice, anti-death penalty; (2) pro-choice, pro-death penalty; (3) pro-life, anti-death penalty; and (4) pro-life and pro-death penalty. Despite the diversity of opinions on abortion and capital punishment, all respondents placed a high value on quality of life. Tables, figures, notes, references, index