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Supreme Court Upholds Right To Abortion

1992

The U.S. Supreme Court reaffirms the right to abortion while permitting new state restrictions. In Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Court finds that Roe v. Wade established a “rule of law and a component of liberty we cannot renounce.” It also adopts a new standard for evaluating abortion restrictions. It had required evidence of a “compelling” state interest. Now, it will allow requirements that do not present a “substantial obstacle” to a woman seeking an abortion. The Court upholds Pennsylvania’s 24-hour waiting period and informed consent rules.