Roe v. Wade Quiz

Roe v. Wade is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1973 that recognized a woman’s constitutional right to choose to have an abortion under the right to privacy. This case arose when “Jane Roe,” a pseudonym for Norma McCorvey, challenged Texas laws that criminalized most abortions. The Supreme Court’s decision established a framework for abortion regulation, dividing pregnancy into three trimesters and granting states the ability to impose restrictions as pregnancy progresses. Understanding the implications of this ruling is crucial for grasp of reproductive rights and the ongoing debates surrounding them, as it set a precedent for similar cases and shaped the legal landscape of abortion in the United States.


In the years following Roe v. Wade, the decision has been the subject of intense political and social debate, leading to various legislative attempts to restrict or protect abortion rights at both state and federal levels. Students should examine how subsequent cases, such as Planned Parenthood v. Casey in 1992, affirmed the core holding of Roe while allowing states to implement certain regulations as long as they do not place an “undue burden” on a woman’s right to choose. Additionally, it is important to understand the broader context of the pro-choice and pro-life movements, including the ethical, moral, and health-related arguments that inform each side. By analyzing the historical and contemporary significance of Roe v. Wade, students will gain a nuanced understanding of its impact on American society and the ongoing discussions regarding women’s rights and bodily autonomy.