Legal History of Reproductive Rights

The legal history of reproductive rights in the United States has evolved significantly over time. It began with restrictive laws against abortion in the 19th century. The landmark 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade recognized a woman's right to choose abortion, framing it as a constitutional right under privacy. This decision sparked ongoing debates and legal challenges, leading to various state-level restrictions. In 2022, the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, shifting the power to regulate abortion back to individual states. This ongoing evolution shapes the landscape of reproductive rights today.