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"In 1973 the Supreme Court of the United States delivered a historic decision on abortion in the case of Roe v. Wade (Carlton 2000)." The court ruled that states could not forbid a woman to have an abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. "The court based this ruling on an assumption that an early abortion is usually safer for the mother than a pregnancy that lasts a full nine months." The court also ruled that during the second trimester, states may regulate abortion only to protect a woman's health. Once a fetus reaches the third trimester, states may regulate abortion to protect the interests of both women and the unborn (www.prochoice.com). The Roe v. Wade decision stated that the U.S. constitution implies the right of privacy and allows a woman to decide for herself if she will have an abortion.
The 1973 decision also dealt with the question of when a fetus becomes viable. It stated, "Viability is usually placed at about seven months (28 weeks) but may occur earlier, even at 24 weeks". The court said that states may forbid abortion of a viable fetus except when the abortion is necessary to protect the life or health of the mother. .
Since the Roe v. Wade decision, many groups have organized in the United States to oppose abortion and the legislation and court decisions that permit it. These groups include the National Right to Life Committee and the Christian Coalition as well as Operation Rescue, which conducts demonstrations near abortion clinics. Most pro-life groups strongly oppose illegal acts. However, some individuals have vandalized, bombed, or set fire to abortion clinics. Others have attacked and killed doctors and other clinic employees. Pro-choice groups have also expanded their efforts. They contact lawmakers, hold demonstrations, and attack restrictive abortion laws in court. Pro-choice organizations include the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the National Organization for Women (www.