‘Hurt, anger, confusion’: People react to US abortion decision

The United States (US) Supreme Court has overturned Roe v Wade, a landmark ruling that granted the right to abortion. The court determined that there is no constitutional right to an abortion, leaving it up to the states to decide whether or not to allow abortions.

The verdict has been announced in the Dobbs vs Jackson case.

According to research from Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organisation that provides abortions, almost about 36 million women of reproductive age, are expected to lose their access to abortion.

What is the 1973 judgment known as Roe v. Wade?

The landmark 1973 ruling protected the constitutional right to have an abortion.

Roe v. Wade was a historic legal decision delivered by the United States Supreme Court on January 22, 1973, in which the court overturned a Texas law prohibiting abortion, essentially legalising the operation throughout the United States.

“The court held that a woman’s right to an abortion was implicit in the right to privacy protected by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Prior to Roe v. Wade, abortion had been illegal throughout much of the country since the late 19th century. Since the 1973 ruling, many states have imposed restrictions on abortion rights.”

Here are some key reactions.