Turning Point in Abortion Laws: Roe versus Wade

Turning Point in Abortion Laws: The landmark Supreme Court decision of Roe versus Wade proved to be the turning point in all abortion laws. The case was finally ruled upon in January of 1973 and still stands to this day as the final word of the legality of terminations. This decision has influenced a nation’s thinking on termination and anti termination issues ranging from grassroots organizations to highly contested political debates. The stance on terminations seems to be a major running platform on politicians at all levels in the game, from state Congressmen and Governors to National Senators, Representatives, and even the President of the United States. The case strained the nation and questions began circulating if the Supreme Court could interpret the Constitution and history of the country and the judicial in such a liberal manner.

In this trial, Roe, a single pregnant woman residing in the state of Texas, wished to terminate her pregnancy. The anonymity of the woman was kept, but she was later identified to be Norma McCorvey. After she attempted to seek a legal termination in the Lone Star State, McCorvey was repeatedly turned away since the pregnancy was not threatening to her life, therefore it would be deemed illegal in Texas if performed. McCovey was represented by two female attorneys, Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee, who attacked the system and demanded women be given charge of their own bodies.

The Supreme Court eventually sided in favor of Roe—McCorvey—and ruled that a woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy if she does so in the first three months of gestation. In the second trimester, the second three months, states may restrict terminations, but not prohibit any terminations that be performed during this time. Finally, for women in their third trimester, the states have the opportunity to restrict or prohibit any abortions except those which are necessary to save the mother’s life. This ruling was met with a great amount of favor in addition to protest. The discussion still rages on regarding the Roe versus Wade decision. In the end, McCorvey elected not to seek and termination, but carry the child to term and turn the baby over for adoption upon birth.

Also read our article about Abortion Statistics