Planned Parenthood v. Casey

Definition

Planned Parenthood v. Casey is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1992 that reaffirmed the constitutional right to have an abortion established in Roe v. Wade, while also allowing states to impose certain restrictions on abortion access. This case is crucial as it introduced the 'undue burden' standard, which determines whether state laws infringe upon a woman's right to choose by placing substantial obstacles in the path of women seeking abortions before fetal viability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court's decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey upheld the central holding of Roe v. Wade, affirming that women have the right to choose an abortion without excessive government restriction.
2. The ruling introduced the concept of 'undue burden,' which states that any law imposing substantial obstacles before fetal viability is unconstitutional.
3. The case addressed several Pennsylvania state provisions, including a 24-hour waiting period and parental consent for minors, ultimately upholding some but striking down others.
4. The 1992 ruling was notable for its reaffirmation of reproductive rights at a time when many states were enacting restrictive abortion laws.
5. Justice O'Connor, joined by Justices Kennedy and Souter, authored the controlling opinion, reflecting a compromise position that aimed to balance state interests with women's rights.

Review Questions

• How did Planned Parenthood v. Casey reaffirm the principles established in Roe v. Wade while introducing new standards for abortion regulation?
  • Planned Parenthood v. Casey reaffirmed Roe v. Wade by confirming that women have a constitutional right to choose an abortion without undue interference from the state. However, it also established the 'undue burden' standard, allowing states to regulate abortions as long as those regulations do not create substantial obstacles for women seeking abortions before fetal viability. This marked a shift in how courts would evaluate state laws regarding abortion, balancing reproductive rights with states' interests.
• Discuss the implications of the 'undue burden' standard established in Planned Parenthood v. Casey for future abortion legislation.
  • The 'undue burden' standard set forth in Planned Parenthood v. Casey significantly impacted future abortion legislation by requiring courts to assess whether state laws created significant obstacles for women seeking abortions prior to fetal viability. This standard allowed states to implement some regulations but made it clear that excessive restrictions could be challenged and struck down. As a result, this case has been pivotal in shaping ongoing legal battles over abortion rights and state-level attempts to restrict access.
• Evaluate the broader social and political context surrounding Planned Parenthood v. Casey and how it reflects shifting attitudes towards reproductive rights in America.
  • Planned Parenthood v. Casey emerged during a time of intense social and political debate over reproductive rights in America, particularly as conservative movements sought to overturn or undermine Roe v. Wade. The case reflected changing attitudes towards women's autonomy and the complexities surrounding moral considerations about abortion. By reaffirming women's rights while permitting some regulation, the decision showcased a legal compromise that acknowledged both pro-choice and pro-life perspectives, influencing subsequent advocacy and legislative efforts on both sides of the issue.

Related terms

Roe v. Wade:

A 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, establishing a woman's legal right to terminate her pregnancy under the right to privacy.

Undue Burden: A legal standard established in Planned Parenthood v. Casey that prohibits states from enacting laws that place significant obstacles in the way of a woman's right to choose an abortion before fetal viability.

Fetal Viability: The point in fetal development when a fetus can survive outside the womb, generally considered to be around 24 weeks of gestation.