United States abortion-rights movement

Movement advocating for legal access to abortion in the United States

Roe v. Wade decision

The United States abortion-rights movement is a sociopolitical movement supporting the view that a woman should have the legal right to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy to term. This movement is part of a broader global abortion-rights movement and is often referred to as the "pro-choice" movement in the United States.

History

The abortion-rights movement in the United States has its roots in the early 20th century, but it gained significant momentum in the 1960s and 1970s. The movement was galvanized by the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which recognized a woman's constitutional right to privacy, effectively legalizing abortion nationwide.

Early Advocacy

In the early 20th century, abortion was largely illegal in the United States, and women seeking abortions often faced dangerous conditions. Early advocates for abortion rights included Margaret Sanger, who also championed birth control and women's reproductive rights.

Roe v. Wade

The landmark 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade was a pivotal moment for the abortion-rights movement. The Court's decision struck down many state laws restricting abortion, asserting that the right to privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment extended to a woman's decision to have an abortion.

March for Women's Lives

Post-Roe Developments

Following the Roe decision, the abortion-rights movement faced significant opposition from the anti-abortion movement, often referred to as the "pro-life" movement. Despite this opposition, abortion-rights advocates have continued to fight for access to safe and legal abortion services.

Key Organizations

Several organizations have played crucial roles in the abortion-rights movement in the United States. These include:

• Planned Parenthood
• NARAL Pro-Choice America
• National Organization for Women (NOW)

These organizations work to protect and expand access to abortion services through advocacy, education, and legal action.

Legal and Political Challenges

The abortion-rights movement has faced numerous legal and political challenges over the years. Various states have enacted laws aimed at restricting access to abortion, such as waiting periods, parental consent laws, and TRAP laws (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers).

Recent Developments

In recent years, the movement has focused on opposing restrictive state laws and advocating for federal protections for abortion rights. The 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, leading to renewed efforts by abortion-rights advocates to secure legal protections at the state and federal levels.

Pro-choice rally in Washington, D.C.

Cultural Impact

The abortion-rights movement has significantly influenced American culture and politics. It has been a central issue in political campaigns and has shaped public discourse on women's rights and reproductive health.

Related pages

• Abortion in the United States
• Pro-choice
• Reproductive rights
• Women's rights