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Supreme Court Decision
After much anticipation, the Supreme Court released a lengthy, multipart decision ruling that Roe v. Wade was affirmed but that the bulk of the Pennsylvania law was constitutional nonetheless. -
Beggining of Case
Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade created a political and legal upheaval nationwide. -
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Time Argued
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Supreme Court Claim
Supreme Court proclaimed that any regulation that imposes a "substantial obstacle" preventing a woman from obtaining a legal abortion is an "undue burden" that violates the woman's constitutional right to an abortion. -
Supreme Court ruling
The Court ruled that the spousal consent provision did constitute an undue burden, because husbands could potentially resort to abuse and obstruction upon learning of their spouses' abortion plans. -
Supreme Court has another ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that one of the more controversial provisions of the law, the mandatory 24-hour waiting period, was not an undue burden and was thus constitutional. -
Court decides on ruling
The Court rules that the only provision to fail the undue-burden test was the husband notification requirement -
Final Ruling
The new standard made by the Supreme Court asks whether a state abortion regulation has the purpose or effect of imposing an "undue burden," which is defined as a "substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion before the fetus attains viability."