Roe vs. Wade: History & Case Law
History of Roe vs. Wade
AP Photos - 1970s Women's March
"Roe (vs. Wade) culminated nearly two centuries of legal activity on abortion that began in 1821 when Connecticut became the first state to outlaw abortions. The 1973 ruling, a 7-2 decision by the high court, gave women a qualified constitutional right to an abortion during most of the pregnancy."
--CNN.com, from "30 years after ruling, ambiguity, anxiety surround abortion debate." By William Mears and Bob Franken, CNN Washington Bureau, Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Historical Overviews
- CBS News - Roe vs. Wade TimelineA timeline of the abortion debate at the Supreme Court, from Roe v. Wade to now, by CBS News.
- PBS.com - What is Roe vs. Wade?An overview of Roe vs. Wade
- History.com - History of Roe vs. WadeThe history of abortion rights and Roe vs. Wade from History.com.
Abortion Stories Before Roe vs. Wade
Case Law and Legal History
- Britannica - Roe vs. WadeLegal overview and timeline of Roe vs. Wade from Britannica.
- Roe vs. Wade Legal Decision - Case LawThe Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 case law for the 1973 Supreme Court Decision to put into play Constitutional protections for access to safe and legal abortion. Via Nexus Uni, your 900# is required to access.
- Roe vs. Wade Citing DecisionsA list of cases that cite Roe vs. Wade. In Nexis Uni, need 900# to access.
- Roe vs. Wade - Case TextThe text of the 1973 case, Roe vs. Wade.
- Abortion Law and Policy Around the WorldArticle in the Health and Human Rights Journal looking at abortion laws around the world.