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Sherri Finkbine Controversy
Sherri Finkbone was in the early stages of pregnancy when she found out a medicine she had taken caused birth defects. She arranged an abortion and told a local newspaper the story in anonymity to raise awareness about the medicine and its effects but her story was published using her name. She began receiving letters and threats in opposition to her abortion. This incident brought more attention to the issue and caused many people to seek reform across the nation (on both sides). -
Death of Gerri Santoro
Gerri Santoro became pregnant as the result of an extramarital affair. She feared her husband would kill her for bearing another man's child. Abortions were illegal so she attempted to perform a self-induced abortion but ended up bleeding out and dying. The picture the police released of her body became a symbol for abortion rights activists. Those activists used her as an example because they claimed she would still be alive if she had been able to obtain professional help. -
Roe v. Wade
Roe v. Wade was a Supreme Court case in which a woman's right to privacy in receiving an abortion and restricted states from prohibiting abortion during the first trimester. This was important because it required all states to allow abortions during at least the first trimester. Many activists praised the decision as a win because it increased the safety of women seeking abortions. Many people opposed the decision, saying that abortions were evil and should not be allowed across the nation. -
Doe v. Bolton
Doe v. Bolton was a Supreme Court case that said late term abortions could not be prohibited if the life or health of the mother was at risk. It said that the medical judgement of this may be exercised in the light of many factors. This was important because it required states to allow late term abortions if they were deemed medically crucial. Supporters claimed that this was a win for women's safety. Detractors claimed that this allowed the termination of almost fully formed humans. -
Planned Parenthood v. Casey
A Supreme Court case that resulted in the abandonment of Roe v. Wade's strict trimester rule and gave abortion laws the undue burden standard, which prevents states from passing laws that are too restrictive of one's fundamental rights. This was important because it prevented states from strictly prohibiting abortion after the first trimester. Supporters said this was an advancement in women's rights and safety. Detractors said this expanded the right to kill what they considered a person. -
Analysis
- The thing that has changed the most over time is who has the power to make laws regarding abortion. States started off with complete control over these laws but several court cases limited the ability of states to make laws that limit abortion.
- Yes. Before Roe v. Wade and other similar cases, some states had extremely loose abortion laws and some had extremely strict laws. These court cases required strict states to become more like the loose states than before
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Analysis part 2
- The country has been heading towards looser restrictions on abortion. I think this because over time states have been allowed to restrict less and less about abortion and I see no reason why this would stop.
- In the future, abortion laws will remain similar to today but lawmakers will continue to run on platforms of abortion reform to motivate voters.
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Works Cited
Bland, K. (2016, April 19). 54 years after abortion, no regrets for Romper Room host, but still sadness. Retrieved from https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/karinabland/2016/04/15/sherri-chessen-miss-sherri-romper-room-abortion-reproductive-rights-donald-trump/82957074/
Leona's Sister Gerri. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/pov/watch/leonassistergerri/ -
Works cited part 2
Chuck, E. (2018, June 05). What is Roe v. Wade? Everything you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/smart-facts/what-roe-v-wade-everything-you-need-know-n856891
Your Right to Choose. (2016, May 28). Retrieved from https://mercyhouse.org/2014/01/24/your-right-to-choose/ -
Works cited part 3
Barnes, R. (2019, May 30). The last time the Supreme Court was invited to overturn Roe v. Wade, a surprising majority was unwilling. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/the-last-time-the-supreme-court-was-invited-to-overturn-roe-v-wade-a-surprising-majority-was-unwilling/2019/05/29/2cd37b30-7b39-11e9-8bb7-0fc796cf2ec0_story.html