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Two light-skinned women holding a sign that says "Keep Abortion Legal."
Norma McCorvey (L, known as "Jane Roe" in the case), with her attorney outside the Supreme Court. (Photo: Lorie Shaull).

Roe v. Wade affirms the constitutional right to abortion.

1973

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Norma McCorvey (L, known as "Jane Roe" in the case), with her attorney outside the Supreme Court. (Photo: Lorie Shaull).

On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court releases their landmark decision on the case of Roe v. Wade, recognizing that the constitutional right to privacy extends to a woman’s right to make her own personal medical decisions, including the decision to have an abortion without interference from the state.

Though this broadly legalizes abortion in the U.S., it does not guarantee the quality nor the safety of accessing abortions, especially for People of Color living in poverty.