Posted on 01/20/2008 4:09:56 AM PST by Sub-Driver
'Roe vs Wade' legalized abortion in US 35 years ago
by Fanny CarrierSun Jan 20, 1:12 AM ET
Thirty-five years ago on Tuesday the US Supreme Court handed down a decision in the Roe versus Wade case, legalizing abortion and introducing some of the world's least restrictive abortion laws.
On January 22, 1973, the nine Supreme Court justices voted seven to two that a law in Texas that banned abortion, except to save a woman's life, was unconstitutional under the right to personal privacy.
It was a bombshell decision that galvanized religious opposition into action, and set the scene for abortion to become the most divisive issue between the country's political left and right.
"It had a tremendous impact on American culture and politics and society," said Michele Dillon, a sociology professor at New Hampshire University.
"It took a lot of people by surprise, and it really galvanized the impact of religious organizations on the American political life. It motivated religious organizations to get actively involved in trying to set the political agenda."
The case had been brought before a court in Dallas, Texas, three years earlier by two women lawyers seeking the right for homeless, 22-year-old single mother Norma McCorvey to terminate her third pregnancy.
McCorvey, the plaintiff, was given the pseudonym Jane Roe. The defendant was Henry Wade, the district attorney.
After going through the appeals process, the case finally ended up before the Supreme Court in Washington in late 1972.
By the time the Supreme Court decision was handed down, "Jane Roe" had already had her third child, which she put up for adoption.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
That we can still vote on other issues over and above this issue makes me wonder why the Lord still bothers!
Mel
That we can still vote on other issues over and above this issue makes me wonder why the Lord still bothers!
Mel
And only 21 post here mine makes 22.
We have NO one to blame but ourselves.
God help us!!!
We have NO one to blame but ourselves.
God help us!!!
Any honest and in depth self assessment will ultimatley lead the earnest searcher to recognise their fault in a matter whether by action or inaction.
Happy is the man who does not have to justify himself!
Mel
50,000,000 dead babies later - and life is cheaper than ever!
Want to reverse the social security meltdown? Ban abortion. Want to replace all the 3,000 people killed in the 9/11 attacks? Outlaw abortion for 18 hours.
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