Roe vs. Wade (1973)
A Court Case
Does the Constitution allow for women to terminate her pregnancy by abortion?
Decision
The supreme court ruled 7-2 ruled that rights of abortion were protected by the 14th Amendment giving women the right to their own privacy. Women were given total control over their pregnancy during the first trimester. States were given the power to make laws on the second and third trimesters. 46 states had their laws changed based on this case.
Summary
Jane Roe wanted to get an abortion, but the law of Texas prohibited abortions unless it was to save the woman's life. Jane Roe and her attorney, Sarah Weddington, argued that the Constitution gave Roe the right to have the abortion.