Today is the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to confer something approaching equal rights on women when it comes to reproductive freedom — a day to be celebrated for sure.

And notwithstanding the troubled actions and statements of zealot/politicians like North Carolina’s chief cheerleader for restricting that freedom — state House Majority Leader Paul Stam — the trends in public opinion continue to move inexorably in a positive direction.

For confirmation of this reality, check out this very encouraging graph of the nation’s evolving attitudes on abortion rights from MSNBC blogger Steve Benen.