Background
Abortion is a medical or surgical procedure to deliberately end a pregnancy. In Roe v. Wade (1973), the US Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution protects a woman's right to an abortion prior to the viability of a fetus. A woman may exercise that right at her own discretion through the end of the first trimester, generally around the twelfth week of pregnancy. The ruling allows states to regulate but not completely restrict a woman's access during the second trimester. During the third trimester, after viability, the state can restrict all abortions unless the mother's health or life is in danger. However, in May 2022, a court draft opinion was leaked indicating that a solidly conservative court majority was planning to...(Opposing Viewpoints in Context)
As the debate over abortion continues, here are five key facts about Americans’ views on the topic, based on recent Pew Research Center polling:
Links to many of the latest Pew Research Center reports and data on views toward abortion in the United States and around the world.
Results of Gallup Polls from 1975 - 2019, tracking opinions on abortion in the U.S.
Overview of state abortion laws from the Guttmacher Institute, as of April 2010. Also, click on State Laws and Policies tab.
From the Pew Research Center FactTank
Historical perspective from 1969 in The Atlantic before Roe v. Wade.
The Guttmacher Institute monitors and analyzes state policy developments—including legislative, judicial, and executive actions—on a broad range of issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. These resources, on such issues as access to and availability of abortion, contraceptive services, and sex education, are updated regularly to provide a comprehensive picture of the state policy landscape.
From the Guttmacher Institute. Choose a state from the drop-down menu, to view that state's fact sheet.
Oral arguments for the case before the Court
Remember, this is a draft, not a final decision on the Dobbs case!
Previous Cases
Roe v. Wade (1973)
Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health (1983)
Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (1986)
Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989)
Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey (1992)
Bray v. Alexandria Clinic (1993)
Stenberg v. Carhart (2000)
This is the official website for the Pro-Life Action League and they offer a plethora of resources on getting the facts on abortion, commonly asked questions about abortion law and even information on Planned Parenthood all of which come from a pro-life standpoint.
The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization of lawyers and advocates who ensure reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights for the dignity, equality, health, and well-being of every person.