A clear majority of Americans now call themselves pro-life according to a new Gallup poll.

Of those polled, 51 percent say they are pro-life, while 42 percent are pro-choice.

Just a year ago, half of Americans called themselves pro-choice, according to Gallup.

It is the first time time a majority of U.S. adults have labeled themselves pro-life since Gallup began asking the question in 1995.

Christian groups have also seen a rise in the number of pro-life supporters with an eight-point gain among Protestants and a seven-point gain among Catholics.

Gallup also finds that in past years men and women have been divided on the issue, but for the first time in nine years both genders are leaning towards to the pro-life position.

Results are based on interviews with 972 adults, aged 18 and older.

Source: Gallup.com