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Roe v. Wade decision

Roe v. Wade decision

Teaser

The United States Supreme Court rules in favor of plaintiff 'Jane Roe' in Roe vs. Wade, effectively legalizing abortion in all 50 states. Citing a woman's "right to privacy" as guaranteed in the Ninth and Thirteenth Amendments, the Court ruled that the right to have an abortion must be balanced against the state's interests to protect the mother and the unborn fetus.

Year
1973
Date of Event

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