The Texas Abortion Laws

Mariama Diallo
Pol 166
Homework #9
11/28/15



“Roe (P), a pregnant single woman, brought a class action suit challenging the constitutionality of the Texas abortion laws. These laws made it a crime to obtain or attempt an abortion except on medical advice to save the life of the mother.
Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit included Hallford, a doctor who faced criminal prosecution for violating the state abortion laws; and the Does, a married couple with no children, who sought an injunction against enforcement of the laws on the grounds that they were unconstitutional. The defendant was county District Attorney Wade (D).”

    At the end of this trial the plaintiffs Roe and Hallford both won their lawsuits; However, the Does’ lost their suit. The decision that dismissed the Does’ was in regards to the fact, that according to the district court, “injunctive relief against enforcement of the law was not warranted.” The court believed that the case was based off something unsubstantiated and was unnecessary. Whereas, with Roe and Hallford there was a clear standing to sue. They won their cases on the fact that the the Texas abortion laws were “void as vague” and because of the plaintiffs Ninth and fourth Amendment rights. I choose this passage due to its plaintiffs and particular suits. The ending decisions were clear yet complicated.