Roe Vs Wade Research Paper

Abortion, or the deliberate termination of an unwanted pregnancy was the main issue discussed in the Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade. Abortions have occurred since ancient times, and various techniques have been used to perform them. Before the 19th century abortions were legal, but were very dangerous due to the lack of medical equipment that was available. Beginning in the 1820’s many states started restricting access to abortions and contraceptive methods. In 1873, the U.S. Congress passed the Comstock Act, which prohibited the distribution of medications and other devices that could be used to have an abortion. Individuals convicted of violating the act could face years of imprisonment. This was one of the first acts passed that put restrictions

on abortions. By the 20th century most states had adopted laws that made abortions illegal, except if the mother’s life was in danger. States argued that the fetus’s right to life was more important than a woman’s right to privacy. Texas was among the majority of states that put strict abortion laws in place. During this time many women got illegal abortions.

In 1950, an estimated 200,000 to 1.3 million illegal abortions were performed (Dyer par. 3). However, illegal abortions were very unsanitary and dangerous, so many women died as a result. In the 1970’s, around the time of Roe vs. Wade, women’s rights movements were being staged around the country. Women were demanding equality in all aspects of life. Many women’s rights groups were formed to protest their demands for equal rights and change. During the second half of the 20th century a sexual revolution began in the U.S. and the public pressured states to ease abortion laws. Some states acknowledged the public, and eased abortion restrictions. However, many states such as Texas didn’t ease abortion restrictions. Some women were fortunate enough to travel outside their state to have an abortion, but many poor women couldn’t afford to. This raised more questions about equality. Government interference in sexual matters was being highly questioned around the time of Roe vs. Wade, with the concept of privacy. Many women believed they should have an unrestricted right to an abortion. The Supreme Court had already decided on cases that might provide reason to rule against anti abortion

laws. The 1965 court case Griswold v. Connecticut recognized the right of privacy. In Griswold v. Connecticut the Supreme Court established that states couldn’t prohibit contraceptives to married people. The court claimed that it invaded their privacy to make decisions regarding their family (“Background” par. 5). Griswold v. Connecticut would become a key precedent for Roe vs. Wade. The case Eisenstadt v. Baird extended access of contraceptives to unmarried people. These cases were very controversial, but set the stage for a more sweeping ruling regarding reproduction and privacy rights.