Planned Parenthood v. Casey

Definition

Planned Parenthood v. Casey is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1992 that upheld the constitutional right to have an abortion, reaffirming the core holding of Roe v. Wade while allowing states to impose certain restrictions. The ruling confirmed that the state could not place an 'undue burden' on a woman's right to choose, thus balancing reproductive rights with state interests in regulating abortions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court's decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey reaffirmed the right to have an abortion while introducing the 'undue burden' standard for evaluating state regulations.
2. The case was significant in that it allowed states to impose some restrictions on abortions, such as waiting periods and informed consent, as long as they did not create an undue burden on women.
3. The ruling also highlighted the importance of women's autonomy and the state’s interest in protecting potential life, establishing a framework for future abortion-related cases.
4. Planned Parenthood v. Casey was decided by a vote of 5-4, reflecting deep divisions within the Court regarding reproductive rights and state regulations.
5. The decision continues to influence ongoing debates and legal challenges surrounding abortion rights and women's healthcare access in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did Planned Parenthood v. Casey impact the legal landscape surrounding reproductive rights?
  • Planned Parenthood v. Casey significantly impacted reproductive rights by reaffirming the fundamental right to choose an abortion while also introducing the 'undue burden' standard. This ruling allowed states some latitude to regulate abortions but ensured that such regulations could not infringe upon a woman's ability to make choices regarding her body. The case reinforced Roe v. Wade's legacy while also shaping how future laws and court rulings would balance individual rights with state interests.
• What are some examples of restrictions on abortion that states can impose after Planned Parenthood v. Casey, according to the undue burden standard?
  • After Planned Parenthood v. Casey, states can impose various restrictions on abortion as long as they do not constitute an undue burden. Examples include mandatory waiting periods before obtaining an abortion, parental consent or notification laws for minors, and requirements for informed consent that provide specific information about the procedure. However, any regulation deemed to place substantial obstacles in a woman's path to accessing an abortion would likely be struck down by courts based on the undue burden standard.
• Evaluate the implications of Planned Parenthood v. Casey for future legislation and court cases related to reproductive rights in the United States.
  • The implications of Planned Parenthood v. Casey for future legislation and court cases regarding reproductive rights are profound, as it set a precedent that continues to shape legal arguments around abortion access. This case established a framework where states can regulate abortions but must ensure those regulations do not create undue burdens on women's rights. As various states attempt to pass more restrictive laws, this ruling serves as a critical touchstone for both advocates and opponents of reproductive rights, influencing ongoing debates and litigation over women's healthcare access across the nation.

Related terms

Roe v. Wade:

A 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide by ruling that a woman's right to privacy under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment extends to her decision to terminate her pregnancy.

Undue Burden Standard: A legal standard established by the Casey decision that prohibits states from placing substantial obstacles in the path of a woman seeking an abortion before fetal viability.

Informed Consent Laws: Regulations that require individuals seeking an abortion to receive certain information before the procedure, often mandated by state law, as part of informed consent requirements.