Up until what point of human development does the Supreme Court's ruling in Roe v. Wade and subsequent decisions prohibit states from banning abortion?
Correct Answer
Contrary to media reports which claim that Roe v. Wade and subsequent decisions prohibit states from banning abortion until viability, these rulings actually mandate that abortion be legal up to birth if any one doctor licensed to perform abortions says that one is needed for the "health of the mother." Roe cites specific examples of what may be considered harmful to a mother's health, such as the "stigma of unwed motherhood," the work of "child care," and the distress of having an "unwanted child." Regarding this standard, late-term abortionist Warren Hern stated: "I will certify that any pregnancy is a threat to a woman's life and could cause grievous injury to her physical health." Many states have passed laws that defy Roe, but Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have promised that they will repeal all of them through a federal law that codifies Roe. On 9/24/21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would do just that if it passes the Senate and becomes law.