Roe v. Wade

Definition

Roe v. Wade is a landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide, ruling that a woman's right to choose to have an abortion is protected by the constitutional right to privacy. This case became a pivotal moment for women's rights and reproductive freedom, influencing various movements and political discourses related to gender, family values, and morality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roe v. Wade was decided by a 7-2 vote in the Supreme Court, with Justice Harry Blackmun writing the majority opinion.
2. The case was brought by 'Jane Roe', a pseudonym for Norma McCorvey, who challenged Texas laws that criminalized most abortions.
3. The ruling established a trimester framework for regulating abortion, where states could impose restrictions only after the first trimester of pregnancy.
4. Roe v. Wade galvanized both pro-choice and pro-life movements, leading to ongoing debates and political activism surrounding reproductive rights.
5. In the years following the decision, numerous state laws aimed at restricting access to abortion have been challenged in court, continuing to shape the national conversation on women's rights.

Review Questions

• How did Roe v. Wade influence the goals and strategies of the second wave feminist movement?
  • Roe v. Wade significantly influenced the second wave feminist movement by affirming women's reproductive rights as essential to gender equality. The decision provided a legal framework that empowered women to make choices about their bodies and family planning, which was a core focus of feminist activism at the time. Feminists used this ruling to advocate for broader access to reproductive health services and education, making it a cornerstone of their fight against systemic gender discrimination.
• Discuss how the rise of the Religious Right impacted public perceptions of Roe v. Wade and abortion in American society during the 1980s.
  • The rise of the Religious Right in the 1980s brought significant backlash against Roe v. Wade, framing abortion as a moral issue rather than solely a legal or health matter. This movement galvanized conservative activists who sought to overturn Roe by promoting anti-abortion legislation and mobilizing voters around 'family values'. Their efforts led to increased polarization in public perceptions of abortion, creating a divide that influenced political campaigns and legislative agendas across the nation.
• Evaluate how Roe v. Wade's legacy is viewed within third wave feminism, especially concerning intersectionality and diverse women's experiences.
  • Within third wave feminism, Roe v. Wade's legacy is seen as both a crucial milestone for women's rights and a starting point for deeper discussions about intersectionality. While the ruling established legal protections for reproductive choices, third wave feminists argue that access to these rights is not equitable across different racial, economic, and social groups. They emphasize that issues like poverty, systemic racism, and healthcare disparities must be addressed alongside reproductive rights to ensure all women can fully exercise their autonomy.

Related terms

Planned Parenthood v. Casey:

A 1992 Supreme Court case that reaffirmed Roe v. Wade but allowed states to impose certain restrictions on abortions, modifying the legal landscape for reproductive rights.

Women's Liberation Movement: A social and political movement in the 1960s and 1970s aimed at achieving equal rights for women, including reproductive rights, workplace equality, and social freedoms.

Religious Right:

A conservative political movement in the United States that emerged in the late 20th century, advocating for policies based on religious values, particularly opposing abortion and promoting traditional family structures.