1973 In the 1960s, there was no federal law regulating abortion. Many states banned the practice completely, unless the mother's life was endangered. Women groups debated that, due to the illegal practice of abortion, women seek the black market abortion industry or to perform the procedures on themselves. Jane Roe filed a suit, arguing that the abortion law in Texas violated her constitutional rights and the rights of other women. The defendant was the district attorney of Dallas county, Henry B. Wade. This case concluded that women, with her doctor, could choose an abortion during early months of pregnancy without legal restrictions. No topic related to the feminist movement has sparked such devotion and conflict as much as the right to an abortion. |