History

• The case was decided in 1973, after Norma McCorvey's failed attempts to have an abortion in 1969. Abortions were illegal only in cases of rape or incest or when then mother's life was in danger before the Supreme Court's decision.
  
  

Significance

• Women have had the ability to legally get an abortion since the Roe v. Wade decision. Any law attempting to restrict abortion are hence put under scrutiny. Abortions cannot be restricted to only the first trimester, but may occasionally become restricted if the woman waits too long into the pregnancy, thus threatening her own maternal health.
  
  

Controversy

• Roe v. Wade is one of the most polarizing decisions between liberals and conservatives. Liberals strongly agree with the decision, arguing that Roe v. Wade gives women the right to a free choice. However, conservatives argue for the decision to be overturned in defense of the unborn child, many even claiming that abortion is a form of murder.