Planned Parenthood v. Casey

Definition

Planned Parenthood v. Casey is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1992 that reaffirmed the constitutional right to have an abortion established in Roe v. Wade while allowing states to impose certain restrictions, provided they do not place an 'undue burden' on a woman's right to choose. This decision emphasized the importance of balancing state interests in regulating abortions with the fundamental rights of individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court's decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey reaffirmed the core holding of Roe v. Wade, solidifying the legal foundation for reproductive rights in the United States.
2. The case introduced the 'undue burden' standard, which allows states to regulate abortions as long as such regulations do not create substantial obstacles for women seeking to terminate pregnancies.
3. The ruling upheld several Pennsylvania state laws, including a 24-hour waiting period and informed consent requirements, but struck down the spousal notification requirement.
4. Planned Parenthood v. Casey has been cited in numerous subsequent cases related to abortion rights, shaping ongoing legal battles over reproductive health and access.
5. The decision marked a significant moment in judicial philosophy by highlighting the balance between individual rights and state interests in public health and moral considerations.

Review Questions

• How did Planned Parenthood v. Casey modify the legal landscape established by Roe v. Wade, particularly regarding state regulations?
  • Planned Parenthood v. Casey modified the legal landscape by reaffirming the fundamental right to an abortion while allowing states to impose certain regulations. The introduction of the 'undue burden' standard meant that while states could enact laws concerning abortions, those laws could not create substantial obstacles for women seeking abortions before fetal viability. This balance allowed for increased state regulation but maintained essential reproductive rights.
• What role does the 'undue burden' standard play in evaluating abortion-related laws following Planned Parenthood v. Casey?
  • The 'undue burden' standard plays a crucial role in evaluating abortion-related laws by establishing that any law that places significant obstacles in the path of a woman seeking an abortion prior to fetal viability is unconstitutional. This standard was developed from the principles articulated in Planned Parenthood v. Casey and has been used by courts to assess various state regulations, ensuring that women's rights are protected while allowing for some level of state oversight.
• Evaluate how Planned Parenthood v. Casey has influenced contemporary debates over reproductive rights and what implications it has for future Supreme Court decisions.
  • Planned Parenthood v. Casey has significantly influenced contemporary debates over reproductive rights by reinforcing legal precedents that protect a woman's right to choose while permitting states to regulate abortion access. Its introduction of the 'undue burden' standard has become a foundational principle for numerous subsequent rulings and challenges to abortion laws across the country. As states continue to propose restrictive measures, this case sets important precedents that may shape future Supreme Court decisions regarding reproductive rights, reflecting ongoing tensions between personal freedoms and governmental regulation.

Related terms

Roe v. Wade: The 1973 Supreme Court case that established a woman's legal right to have an abortion under the constitutional right to privacy.

Undue Burden Standard: A legal standard established in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which states that any law imposing significant obstacles in the path of a woman seeking an abortion before fetal viability constitutes an undue burden.

Substantive Due Process: A constitutional doctrine that protects certain fundamental rights from government interference, including the right to privacy and the right to make decisions regarding reproduction.