Fallout from Roe v Wade

The U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v Wade – the constitutional right to abortion – has raised fears among civil liberties groups that the ruling could lead to challenges to other rights


Justice Clarence Thomas:
“In future cases, we should reconsider all of this court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell”

1965, Griswold v Connecticut: In 7-2 decision, Supreme Court rules that First, Third, Fourth, and Ninth Amendments to U.S. Constitution protect right of marital privacy.
Ruling quashes Connecticut state restrictions on contraception

2005: Obergefell v Hodges: Justice Kennedy delivers 5-4 opinion holding that Constitution guarantees right to marry as one of fundamental liberties it protects, and that applies to same-sex couples

President Joe Biden: “Today, the Supreme Court of the United States expressly took away a constitutional right from the American people that it had already recognized”

2003, Lawrence v Texas: In 6-3 opinion delivered by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (left), Court rules that Texas law prohibiting private homosexual activity between consenting adults violates Due Process Clause of Fourteenth Amendment to U.S. Constitution

Gay rights groups hail verdict as historic day for civil rights, whereas conservatives castigate decision as sign of country’s moral decay


Sources: Congress.gov, Oyez, New York Times
Pictures: Getty Images 
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