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Today in History: Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions in Roe v. Wade

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade, declaring that laws restricting abortion during the first two trimesters of pregnancy were unconstitutional. This decision affirmed a woman's right to choose and significantly impacted reproductive rights in the United States, shaping the national debate on abortion for decades.

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Story summary

On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade, declaring that laws restricting abortion during the first two trimesters of pregnancy were unconstitutional. This decision affirmed a woman's right to choose and significantly impacted reproductive rights in the United States, shaping the national debate on abortion for decades.