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Roe vs. Wade
Roe vs. Wade was an essential court case in the U.S abortion rights movement. The case was first tried in June of 1970 by a Texas district court. The court ruled that Texas’ law for abortions was unconstitutional and was appealed to the United States Supreme Court. This particular law made it a crime to have an abortion unless the mother’s life would be in danger if she had the child. This issue was brought to the U.S Supreme Court when a woman in Texas by the name of Norma McCorvey wanted to get an abortion. In the case, she was given the pseudonym “Jane Roe, '' and Henry Wade was the district attorney of Dallas County who the case was against. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of Norma McCorvey by her lawyers, Linda Coffee and Sarah Weddington, claiming that particular articles for the Texas penal code, 1191-1194 and 1196, were unconstitutional. The lawyers’ stance was that these articles took away a women’s right to choose which went against the U.S Constitution’s Ninth Amendment.

On January 22, 1972, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the favor of Jane Roe and banned the law in Texas that only allowed abortions if the mother’s life was at stake. This was a monumental decision that impacted the entire country, legalizing abortions nationwide. The court’s decision was decided and based on the three different trimesters in pregnancy. The ruling allowed for women to have the choice to have an abortion in the first trimester, without any Government regulation. Once a woman enters the second trimester, the Government would be allowed to regulate any abortions. The Government’s interference at this stage does not mean that abortions are banned, but that they have the power to decide if a woman should be able to get an abortion if her health is at stake. Once a woman enters the third trimester, the state has the authority to approve or deny a woman having an abortion. This decision by the state is based on whether the fetus can survive outside the womb. If it can, than the state will not approve of the abortion unless the mother’s life and or health is at stake.

Roe vs. Wade has had a major impact on the United States abortion rights movement. Before this Supreme Court case, some women would have to resort to having unsafe and illegal abortions that could cost them their health or even lives. This case allowed women to have more of a choice when it comes to the decision of having an abortion or not. Since its ruling, states have been creating laws that make it hard for women to have the choice to get an abortion.

Summary of Current State Abortion Laws
All laws listed are current as of January 1st, 2021.

Alabama: state-provided consultation required 48 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Alaska: state-provided consultation required 48 hours before procedure; abortion must be preformed within 13 weeks of conception

Arizona: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered by Affordable Care Act and public employee health insurances only in cases of life endangerment

Arkansas: state-provided consultation required 72 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation

California: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Colorado: abortion is not covered by public employee insurance; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest

Connecticut: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Delaware: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest

Florida: state-provided consultation required before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 24 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Georgia: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Hawaii: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Idaho: abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; private insurance covers abortion only in cases of life endangerment; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Illinois: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Indiana: state-provided consultation required 18 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act and public employee health insurances in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Iowa: public employee health insurance covers abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Kansas: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Kentucky: state-provided consultation required 48 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act, private, and public insurance in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Louisiana: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions are not covered under Affordable Care Act; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Maine: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Maryland: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment or fetal anomaly

Massachusetts: abortion may be performed after 24 weeks of conception in the cases of life endangerment or lethal fetal anomaly

Michigan: state-provided consultation required 48 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Minnesota: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Mississippi: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 18 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment; abortion in second trimester is prohibited

Missouri: state-provided consultation required 72 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Montana: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Nebraska: state-provided consultation required 48 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Nevada: public insurance covers abortions in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur within 24 weeks of conception

New Hampshire: public insurance covers abortions in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest

New Jersey: no waiting periods, limitations of insurance coverage, or laws regarding when abortion must occur

New Mexico: no waiting periods, limitations of insurance coverage, or laws regarding when abortion must occur

New York: abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

North Carolina: state-provided consultation required 72 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

North Dakota: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; private insurance covers abortion only under life endangerment; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Ohio: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Oklahoma: state-provided consultation required 72 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Oregon: no waiting periods, limitations of insurance coverage, or laws regarding when abortion must occur

Pennsylvania: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 24 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Rhode Island: abortion covered by public insurance in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

South Carolina: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

South Dakota: state-provided consultation required 72 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Tennessee: abortions not covered under Affordable Care Act; public insurance covers abortion only under life endangerment; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Texas: abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; private insurance covers abortion only under life endangerment; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Utah: state-provided consultation required 72 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; private insurance covers abortion only under life endangerment

Vermont: no waiting periods, limitations of insurance coverage, or laws regarding when abortion must occur

Virginia: abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; private and public insurance covers abortion only under life endangerment

Washington: no waiting periods, limitations of insurance coverage, or laws regarding when abortion must occur

West Virginia: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under public insurance in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Wisconsin: state-provided consultation required 24 hours before procedure; abortions covered under Affordable Care Act in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion must occur before 20 weeks of gestation, except in the case of life endangerment

Wyoming: public insurance covers abortion in cases of life endangerment, rape, and incest; abortion may be performed after fetal viability in the case of life endangerment

Organizations and individuals
The abortion rights movement includes a variety of organizations, with no single centralized decision-making body. Many more individuals who are not members of these organizations also support their views and arguments.

Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, the National Abortion Federation, the National Organization for Women, and the American Civil Liberties Union are the leading abortion-rights advocacy and lobbying groups in the United States. Most major feminist organizations also support abortion-rights positions, as do the American Medical Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and pro-abortion rights physicians such as Eugene Gu and Warren Hern who have fought political opposition from anti-abortion Senator Marsha Blackburn. Faith-based groups that advocate for abortion rights include notably the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and Catholics for Choice.

Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood was founded on October 16, 1916 in Brownsville, New York City, NY. This organization was created so that women could have access to healthcare services and information that could help them live strong and healthy lives. Planned Parenthood is important to the United States abortion rights movement because their members are advocates for abortion access, as they believe that it is a healthcare right. Some of the issues surrounding abortion that this organization are advocating against include bans on abortion at 20 weeks, bans on abortions at 6 weeks, and the Hyde Amendment.

On July 1, 1976, the Planned Parenthood v. Danforth case was taken to the United States Supreme Court. The Planned Parenthood of Central Missouri, Dr. David Hall, and Dr. Michael Freiman challenged a Missouri law for abortion, known as House Bill 1211. Bill 1211 regulated that women who were married had to receive consent from their husband for an abortion, or consent from the parents if they were a minor and not married. Attorney Frank Susman represented Planned Parenthood in the case. Dr. Hall, Dr. Freiman, Susman, and Planned Parenthood argued against House Bill 1211 and its definition of viability. They argued that it gave a vague definition of viability that allowed for any fetus to be considered viable, essentially making abortions illegal. It was also argued that the passage of House Bill 1211 was targeting specifically individuals who wanted an abortion by requiring consent from the husband or parents for abortions, but not for other medical procedures. Frank Susman also challenged the ban on saline amniocentesis, a procedure to induce abortions, and the regulation of doctors who performed abortions. This regulation required that the doctor care for the fetus as if it were delivered normally to save its life. John Danforth, who was the general attorney for Missouri in the case, argued that the Missouri law, House Bill 1211, was constitutional. His views were that the consent allowed for the women to properly understand and make a cautious decision about the abortion.

The Court came to a decision and kept some parts of House Bill 1211, while omitting others. The definition of fetal viability and the recordkeeping requirements were upheld. The Court decided to omit the requirement of written consent for the procedure, the requirement of doctors to care for the fetus after the abortion as if it was a conventional delivery, and the ban of saline amniocentesis.

Other than Planned Parenthood’s advocacy efforts for the abortion rights movement, their members also provide information at their clinics and website for the public. Regarding abortions, they provide information for people who may be considering abortions, information on the abortion pill, where to find abortion clinics and what to expect when experiencing abortions.

NARAL Pro-Choice America
The NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation is an organization that advocates for everyone to have reproductive freedom. Their members provide education about the adverse effects of policies that go against a woman's choice, advocate for policies for reproductive freedom, and advocate voting for government officials who are passionate about reproductive freedom. Another sector of this organization is NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC. This is the part of the organization that focuses on endorsing political candidates who are pro-choice and willing to defend against the anti-choice agenda.

The NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation advocates immensely for abortion access and against restrictions put on it. Some of the issues they bring awareness to and advocate against are targeted regulation of abortion providers (TRAP) laws, legislative restriction on access to abortions, abortion refusal laws. They also have been a part of successful campaigns that included support for the EACH Woman Act and Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. The EACH Woman Act is legislation that was created to eliminate the Hyde amendment. This amendment prohibits women on government health care programs, such as Medicaid, from receiving funds to pay for an abortion. In support of the EACH Woman act, the NARAL Pro-Choice Foundation gathered petition signatures. In the Supreme Court case, Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, the NARAL Pro-Choice Foundation heavily advocated for this case. This particular case was taken to court because restrictions in Texas made it difficult for women to have access to abortions. The Court ruled that this was unconstitutional and was a victory for the NARAL Pro- Choice Foundation and their efforts towards reproductive freedom for all.

The National Abortion Federation
The National Abortion Federation is an organization that supports providers who perform abortions with delivering patient care. Their members advocate for women to have a choice when it comes to having an abortion, ensuring quality abortion care, and providing a platform where providers and patients can share their personal experiences regarding abortions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Abortion Federation advocated for abortion clinics to remain opened deeming it an essential service. The National Abortion Federation also provides a Hotline that helps patients have access to abortions and financial assistance. They provide a Patient Partnership program that allows people who have had abortions to share their personal experiences and stories to lawmakers.

Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC)
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is a national nonprofit organization that was founded in 1973 shortly following the Roe v. Wade ruling. Founders of the Coalition included clergy and lay leaders from many mainstream religions. Many of these leaders had previously helped women find safe abortion services before the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The organization’s website, rcrc.org, provides several resources to people in need. Four specific issues of interest are listed and delved into: the moral case, reproductive health, reproductive rights, and reproductive justice. Beyond this, the organization offers religious resources and services to those who are considering or recovering from an abortion, as well as clinics and practitioners. Some services that are offered include clinic blessings, workshops, “Compassion School,” and advocacy. Several states have a state-level coalition with varying amounts of resources:

Colorado : Colorado has a website dedicated to RCRC called simply Colorado Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Apart from having similar resources as the parent website, the Colorado RCRC website offers “all options counseling” with a promise to help all pregnant people who are seeking advice

Illinois : Illinois does not have an RCRC website that is separate from the parent website, but supporters are organized on a Facebook group called “Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice - Illinois” to spread awareness and advocate for the cause.

Kentucky : Kentucky has a website dedicated to RCRC called Kentucky Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Here, the organization shares important updates on the EMW Clinic, the state’s only remaining abortion clinic. KRCRC is one of many organizations that continuously advocates to keep the clinic’s doors open. Volunteers from the organization also provide escorting to people who are utilizing the clinic’s services.

Minnesota : Minnesota does not have an independent for RCRC, but there is a Facebook group dedicated to the cause. It is titled “Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice” and focuses on many of the same issues that the parent RCRC organization highlights.

New Mexico : New Mexico has a website specifically dedicated to its state RCRC. In addition to the resources offered by the parent website, New Mexico also offers letters of support from clergy members and an abortion fund to assist those who cannot afford the procedure. NMRCRC also lists volunteer opportunities such as being a legal observer or a patient host and/or driver.

Ohio : Ohio’s independent RCRC website is called Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. The organization focuses on the same general goals as its parent organization as well as bringing local issues to light. Ohio RCRC highlights issues such as sidewalk harassment (people against abortion lobbying outside of abortion clinics) and provides resources such as abortion care packages and patient advocates.

Pennsylvania : The Pennsylvania RCRC website includes a list of clergy members from all across the state who support the organization. It also provides a link to the parent website and several songs and prayers for reproductive justice.

Wisconsin : Wisconsin’s RCRC does not have a website, but its supporters have organized a Facebook group titled “Wisconsin Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.” Here, members share articles that highlight issues that are of interest to the organization.

California, Connecticut, Indiana, Nebraska, and Oklahoma also have coalitions, but these states do not have websites or Facebook groups dedicated to their state coalitions.

Catholics for Choice
Catholics for Choice is a Catholic-run nonprofit that supports reproductive freedom, including abortion rights. The organization asserts that abortion is a matter that should be decided by the individual’s own conscience. Members of the organization push for abortion services to be available to everyone so people have the ability to make that choice. The organization also asserts that it is a part of the majority of the faithful within the Catholic church that view abortion as a social justice value, not a religious value.