Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
The decision returned most abortion regulation to states and changed the constitutional landscape around substantive due process.
Does the Constitution protect a right to abortion?
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization involved a Mississippi law banning most abortions after fifteen weeks. The case asked whether all pre-viability abortion prohibitions were unconstitutional under Roe and Casey.
The Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, holding that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. The majority concluded that abortion regulation should be returned to elected branches and state governments.
Dobbs fundamentally changed abortion law and revived major debates about substantive due process, precedent, federalism, and individual rights. Its consequences continue to unfold through state legislation, litigation, ballot measures, and federal policy disputes.
Facts
Mississippi defended a law banning most abortions after 15 weeks.
Ruling
The Court overruled Roe and Casey and held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.
Why It Matters
The decision returned most abortion regulation to states and changed the constitutional landscape around substantive due process.
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