Roe v. Wade (1973)
Megan Gallagher, Rosenfeld's 2b
The Facts of the Case
Upon news of her pregnancy, a Texas woman, Roe, sought out facilities to assist her in the termination of such by way of abortion. However, Texas law prohibited the right to abortion. Roe filed for certiorari and presented her case to the United States Supreme Court with her attorney, Sarah R. Weddington. The protester argued that this law censored women's rights, while the respondent argued this right was not innate.
The Question // Constitutional Issue
Does the Constitution embrace a woman's right to abortion? Or does this violate the Fourteenth Amendment's right to privacy?
Sarah R. Wellington
Argued the case for the appellants
Jay Floyd
Initially argued for the appellee
Robert C. Flowers
Reargued the case for the appellee
Decision and Precedent Established
The court decided 7-2 in favor of Roe, therefore ascertaining the right to abortion for all women as a precedent. It was ruled that this right is included in the right to privacy as established by the fourteenth amendment.
Historical Significance
This case proved a historical landmark in that it greatly expanded women's rights by speaking out on the ability of a woman to make decisions regarding her body without male speculation. Moreover, it has greatly improved the ability of women to seek proper medical attention in our developed country.
Present Day Significance
The significance in present times is a large movement surrounding the concept of privacy in regards to a woman's life decisions. Many protests and walks have been assembled so as to further and protect this innate right, such as the Pre-Life Action League's many events, using Roe v. Wade as a common defense.
Future Significance
The significance of this landmark case is a future which promises a safer world for mothers and children, protecting innocent women from incarceration for attempting illegal acts of termination. It is possible an argument could be made for the father of possibly-terminated pregnancies should have a say, wherein this case would have great applicability as a precedent.